MWRD FLOW - July 2025
For the Love of Water (FLOW) is the MWRD monthly news summary.
In this edition:
Upcoming Events
Monthly Virtual Tour set for Thursday, July 10 at 10 a.m.
Embark on a captivating virtual tour with the MWRD.
Have you ever wondered what happens to the water after it goes down the drain? Follow the flow with the MWRD on a virtual tour of our wastewater treatment process on Thursday, July 10 at 10 a.m.!
Join us for an inside look at how we protect our waterways, reduce pollution, and even turn waste into renewable resources—all from the comfort of your home! Whether you're a student, an environmental enthusiast, or just looking for a unique adventure, this tour is packed with fascinating science and sustainable solutions.
Sign up today and get a fresh perspective on water reclamation!
MWRD Board of Commissioners July meeting
Thursday, July 17, 10:30 a.m.
The MWRD Board of Commissioners will hold its Regular Board Meeting at 10:30 a.m. on Thursday, July 17.
Public comments may be made at the Barbara J. McGowan Main Office Building, 100 E. Erie Street, Chicago, during the Public Comment period.
An "In Progress" link under the Video Column will be active when there is a meeting in session. Closed captioning is available.
Monitoring and Research Monthly Seminar set for Friday, July 25 at 10:30 a.m.
“Phosphorus Removal Filter Performance in an Urban Watershed.”
On Friday, July 25, at 10:30 a.m., Andy McCabe, Ph.D., Environmental Engineer, Barr Engineering, Minneapolis, Minnesota, will discuss “Phosphorus Removal Filter Performance in an Urban Watershed.”
In person: Stickney Water Reclamation Plant, Lue-Hing R&D Complex, 6001 West Pershing Rd., Cicero, IL. Reservations are required at least 24 hours in advance by emailing Dr. Heng Zhang at zhangH@mwrd.org or call (708) 588-4264 or (708) 588-4059.
Virtual: Go to Seminars and Presentations on July 25 for the link to access the seminar.
For additional information, please contact Dr. Heng Zhang, Assistant Director of Monitoring and Research, at (708) 588-4264 or (708) 588-4059.
The seminar is eligible for Professional Development Credits/CEUs.
Open House and Tour at the Stickney Water Reclamation Plant set for Saturday, August 2
Join us for an open house and tour of the world's largest wastewater treatment facility on Saturday, August 2 from 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. The Stickney WRP is located at 6001 W. Pershing, Cicero, IL. Please dress for an industrial environment; wear closed toe shoes and pants. Bring your old or unwanted medications for proper disposal.
Partners to cut ribbon on Salt Creek restoration project August 19
The public is invited to participate in a ribbon-cutting event for the Salt Creek Restoration Project at Fullersburg Woods in the DuPage County Forest Preserves on Tuesday, Aug. 19, at 11 a.m. near the Graue Mill and Museum, 3800 York Road, Oak Brook. This project is a partnership between the MWRD, DuPage County Forest Preserves, and the DuPage River Salt Creek Workgroup.
The restoration project honors the history of the Graue Mill and Fullersburg Woods, while improving water quality and enhancing recreational opportunities in Salt Creek.
In addition to removing the Graue Mill dam, the project revitalizes over a mile of upstream Salt Creek by stabilizing the streambank, diversifying habitat for aquatic life and planting native vegetation along the stream.
Village of Glenwood and MWRD to celebrate completion of Glenwood Levee with ribbon-cutting ceremony on August 25
At 11 a.m. on Monday, Aug. 25, the MWRD and village of Glenwood will celebrate the completion of the Glenwood Levee with a ribbon-cutting ceremony at George Arquilla Park, 225 Park Drive, Glenwood, IL.
This vital flood control project also included new storm sewers and utility improvements that strengthen local infrastructure and enhance community resilience against future flooding.
MWRD President Kari K. Steele, the MWRD Board of Commissioners, Glenwood Mayor Toleda Hart and other village officials will be on hand to cut the ribbon.
MWRD's 2025 Small Business Summit scheduled for September 9
MWRD in the News
MWRD Celebrates Pride Month
The annual raising of the Pride flag at the Barbara J. McGowan Main Office Building and at all seven water reclamation plants to mark the start of Pride Month symbolizes the MWRD’s ongoing commitment to inclusion, equity, and respect for all employees and communities, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity. Watch the program.
Commissioners, staff and volunteers were honored to participate in the Chicago Pride Parade on June 29.
The celebration was marked by unity, vibrance, and a shared sense of pride. Our participation symbolized a renewed commitment to visibility, inclusivity, and the enduring strength of the community.
MWRD celebrates early Independence Day in Evergreen Park
What an amazing night at the Evergreen Park Independence Day Parade last Friday!
From the beautiful floats to the vibrant community spirit, it was a celebration filled with joy, laughter, and patriotism. Thank you to everyone who came out to enjoy the parade and greet our Commissioners and staff.
Puerto Rican People's parade attracts hundreds
Commissioners, staff and friends also celebrated the 47th Annual Puerto Rican People’s Day Parade this month.
Hundreds of our neighbors filled the streets of Humboldt Park to celebrate culture, community and cuisine.
Juneteenth flag raised throughout MWRD properties
Commissioners and staff raised the Juneteenth flag on June 13 at the Barbara J. McGowan Main Office Building and all seven water reclamation plants. Juneteenth is a federal holiday commemorating the emancipation of enslaved African Americans.
Deriving its name from combining "June" and "nineteenth," it is celebrated on the anniversary of the arrival of Major General Gordon Granger on June 19, 1865, proclaiming freedom for enslaved people in Texas. Watch the video.
MWRD launches nationwide search for new Executive Director
Applications due July 11, 2025
The MWRD has launched a national search for its next executive director and is accepting applications for this critical leadership role at one of the nation’s premier environmental agencies that serves 5.19 million living in Chicago and 128 surrounding municipalities.
The MWRD is seeking a visionary and results-oriented executive director committed to carrying out the MWRD’s core mission of treating wastewater, managing stormwater and protecting area waterways and Lake Michigan. The next executive director will guide the MWRD and its staff of approximately 1,800 employees in driving a bold and forward-looking agenda that positions the MWRD as a “utility of the future.” Working with a nine-member Board of Commissioners, the executive director will lead the MWRD in addressing innovation, sustainability and the threat of climate change. The successful candidate will advance initiatives in resource recovery, energy efficiency and green infrastructure, all while leading a team of professionals across eight departments responsible for finance, design, treatment, maintenance, research and administrative functions.
Candidates should hold a bachelor’s degree—preferably in engineering or the sciences—and possess at least ten years of executive or high-level management experience in a large regional or municipal wastewater treatment, stormwater management, or public works agency (or equivalent). The ideal candidate will be a decisive and strategic thinker, a quick learner, a compelling public speaker, and a forward-thinking leader capable of guiding the MWRD’s future operations.
This is a unique opportunity to lead an agency whose work impacts the health, safety and quality of life of millions across the region.
Applications must be submitted by July 11, 2025. Interested individuals should send a confidential resume to:
Ted J. Kosowski
Director of Human Resources
Email: ExDir@mwrd.org
The MWRD is an equal opportunity employer.
MWRD Public Affairs team honored with Communities In Schools’ Spirit of Giving Award
The MWRD's Public Affairs team recently received the Spirit of Giving Award from Communities In Schools (CIS) of Chicago. This distinguished recognition honors the team’s unwavering commitment to empowering students, supporting educational equity, and giving back to the communities MWRD serves. The mission of CIS of Chicago is to surround students with a community of support, empowering them to stay in school and achieve in life. The Spirit of Giving Award was established by the CIS Board of Directors in 2004 to recognize the commitment and dedication of partners as they work to support young people through partnerships and collaborations. The award was presented at CIS of Chicago’s annual event in May as nonprofit and civic leaders gathered to celebrate the power of community investment in student success. Read more.
Resources
Sign up for Overflow Action Alert text messages
Sign up to receive Overflow Action Alert text messages. When we announce an Overflow Action Alert, you will be reminded to reduce your use of water before, during and after a storm to help prevent excess water from entering local sewers.
Join Our Team!
Are you seeking a new job?
If so, visit our online employment center to register, apply and learn more about jobs and the selection process at the MWRD. We also participate in job fairs throughout the county so stop by our table if you are in attendance! Staff in a variety of job classifications were interviewed to discuss their background and work that they do. The videos can be found on the MWRD YouTube page.
Keep medications out of our water environment
Medications, whether they are prescribed or not, can end up in waterways. This includes pet medications too!
These drugs can pass through our water reclamation plants (WRPs) and enter rivers and streams. This can harm fish, plant life and our waterways. Controlling what goes down the drain is an easy and effective way to protect the environment.
How you can help
You can help keep medications from entering our waterways by disposing of unwanted medicine properly.
- Never flush unused medications or toss expired medicines in the garbage.
- Take unused and expired medications to Cook County Prescription Drug Take Back Network locations.
- For over-the-counter products, monitor your supply. Store them in one spot in your home to avoid accidentally buying extras.
The MWRD is proud to play a role in collecting unwanted medicine and keeping our drains medicines free. Our boxes are located near the entrances at the Stickney, Calumet and O'Brien WRPs and in the lobby of the Barbara J. McGowan Main Office Building in Chicago. Do not leave medication outside the box. If a box is locked, please return during hours of operation or visit another location.
MWRD drug collection box locations
What is the key to pollution prevention when it comes to are Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS)?
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are a group of manmade fluorinated compounds that are designed to be stable and have been in commercial use since the 1940s. The stability of the chemicals makes them difficult to degrade which is why they are often called “forever chemicals.” PFAS are in commercial, consumer, and industrial products and and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced that they are widely present in the environment; nonstick cookware, cosmetics, sunscreens, washing clothes, and fire-fighting foams can introduce PFAS into the environment.
Like other water utilities across the U.S., the MWRD is addressing how best to manage PFAS in the water environment. The MWRD’s seven water reclamation plants (WRPs) do not produce nor use PFAS but are passive receivers of these chemicals discharged to local sewers. As a result, wastewater can contain trace amounts of these chemicals from industrial, commercial and household sources. The MWRD’s WRPs were not designed to remove these chemicals during the treatment process.
The key to pollution prevention is addressing the source of PFAS.
The MWRD is closely following and proceeding based on the developing science on the potential impacts of PFAS. The MWRD is also working to identify and reduce industrial discharges of PFAS, learning how the discharge from these sources can be reduced and encouraging federal and state regulators to focus on stopping these chemicals at the source. The MWRD’s pretreatment program regulates industrial discharges to protect the treatment process and valuable resources the MWRD recovers.
Permanent Household Hazardous Waste Collection
Dispose of your household chemicals responsibly and recycle your old computers.
The public may drop them off at the City of Chicago's permanent Household Chemicals & Computer Recycling Facility at 1150 N. North Branch Street (two blocks east of the Kennedy Expressway at Division Street).
Household chemicals and computers often contain hazardous substances, such as lead, mercury, and PCBs (polychlorinated biphenyls), which can contaminate our air, soil, and water. Through proper disposal methods or recycling, these hazardous substances are reprocessed and reused in an environmentally-responsible manner.
The Household Chemical and Computer Recycling Facility accepts a range of items, including household cleaners, oil-based paints, solvents, cell phones, compact fluorescent light bulbs, computers, and related equipment, to name a few. It does not accept business/commercial sector wastes, explosives, fireworks or latex paint.
During business hours, an attendant will help unload your vehicle and accept your materials. Materials should not be left outside the facility unattended. Scheduled business hours are:
- Tuesdays 7 am - Noon
- Thursdays 2 pm - 7 pm
- The first Saturday of every month 8 am - 3 pm
Coming soon! A new permanent Cook County HHW facility is opening in the fall at South Suburban College, 15800 State St., South Holland. Residents will be able to dispose of household chemicals, rechargeable batteries, oil-based paints, solvents, medications, fluorescent light bulbs, antifreeze, motor oil, gasoline, auto fluids, herbicides, pesticides, insecticides, aerosol cans and lawn, pool and hobby chemicals. This facility will be located next to the Center for Hard to Recycle Materials (CHaRM Center) that collects electronics, polystyrene foam, clothing and textiles, personal healthcare equipment and general household recycling materials. Read more.
Doing Business with the MWRD
New! Watch a video on how to submit a responsive bid or proposal!
The MWRD Department of Procurement and Materials Management procures materials and services required for operations in compliance with the MWRD Purchasing Act. The mission of the Diversity Section is to ensure that minority owned (MBE), women owned (WBE), small (SBE), and veteran owned (VBE) business enterprises are given equal opportunities to participate in the MWRD’s construction program and professional service contracts in excess of $100,000.
Our procurement process is designed to ensure the most efficient use of taxpayer dollars, so we encourage you to register to become a vendor. Sign up for a weekly email listing new contract announcements by emailing forea@mwrd.org.
Please report waterway blockages, suspicious dumping to waterways or sewers, or odors.
Call 800-332-DUMP (3867) or in Spanish 855-323-4801
Tips to prepare your home for excess rainwater
Read our "Green Neighbor Guide"
Now is a good time to work on projects that can make your home more resilient to stormwater.
Some actions can be as simple as not over-fertilizing your lawn and garden, installing a rain barrel or planting a native tree. No matter what action you choose, the MWRD "Green Neighbor Guide" can help. It gives instructions on stormwater management projects that you can install on your property. For example, detailed instructions are offered for disconnecting downspouts; installing rain barrels or cisterns to capture stormwater for reuse; installing dry wells and rain gardens to allow stormwater to filter into the ground; and replacing asphalt and concrete surfaces with permeable paving to reduce stormwater runoff. Watch our YouTube video to see how a rain barrel is installed.
55 Gallon rain barrels available while supplies last
Rain barrels capture rainwater from your roof and save it for later use. They can help prevent basement backups, street flooding and sewer overflows by keeping rainwater out of the sewer system.
You can use rain barrel water to water your lawn or garden and clean your work boots, tools and bikes.
Rain barrels can hold up to 55 gallons. The overflow opening lets you connect a hose to direct overflow away from your foundation or to connect several rain barrels.
These rain barrels:
- Are made from durable high-density polyethylene.
- Come in four colors (black, blue, terra cotta and gray) and may have different shapes depending on the vendor.
- Include instructions, a leaf and mosquito filter screen, a flexible downspout connector, a spigot/tap, and an overflow hose.
- Free delivery.
Free oak saplings available
Complimentary red, pin, bur, black or swamp white oak saplings are available at our water reclamation plants on Wednesdays from 9 a.m. to noon through October.
If more than 50 potted saplings are desired, delivery is available, or park districts, residents and municipalities can schedule pick ups.
The saplings come in one gallon pots or can be requested as bare roots in bags of 100. These must be planted within days for premium viability.
Learn more about our Restore the Canopy sapling program
Tour an MWRD facility
Each year, our seven water reclamation plants process approximately 450 billion gallons of wastewater. With a daily treatment capacity exceeding 2 billion gallons, the MWRD plays a critical role in protecting our region’s water quality. Learn more about the work of the MWRD on our YouTube channel, watch a virtual tour, or schedule an in-person group tour.
Schedule a speaker
The MWRD offers in-person and virtual presentations for all ages on subjects such as:
- Overview of the MWRD
- Careers in water
- History of water in the Chicago region, including reversing the Chicago River
- How sewers work
- Explanation of the Tunnel and Reservoir Plan or Deep Tunnel
- How wastewater treatment works
- Recovering resources from wastewater
- Stormwater management flood control
- What is Green Infrastructure
- What you can do to protect water quality and reduce flooding
Please request a speaker for your group or class at least three weeks in advance.
Request a community event representative
The MWRD actively engages with communities across Cook County throughout the year, participating in events such as back-to-school fairs, environmental expos, farmers markets, municipal gatherings, career days, and STEM-related activities. Our representatives provide engaging materials and interactive activities designed for all ages, offering insights into our work, areas of responsibility, and practical tips on how to enhance local water quality.
Extras
Historical Photo of the Month
Construction of the Cal Sag Channel on July 12, 1922. The 16-mile long channel was built by the MWRD between 1911 and 1922 and connects to the Little Calumet River on the east and the Chicago Sanitary and Ship Canal on the west.
July 2025 Calendar
Pools of water cascade over the MWRD's Nicholas J. Melas Centennial Fountain before spraying an arc across the main stem of the Chicago River in downtown Chicago.
