MWRD FLOW - June 2026
For the Love of Water (FLOW) is the MWRD monthly news summary.
In this edition:
Upcoming Events
Celebrate Pride Month with the MWRD
Join the MWRD on Monday, June 1, 2026, at the Barbara J. McGowan Main Office Building, 100 E. Erie St., Chicago, to celebrate Pride Month.
After we raise the Pride flag at 11:30 a.m., a lunch program will feature a keynote address from FEMA Emergency Management Specialist Mary DeBacker highlighting the role of resilience and unity followed by a panel of local LGBTQ elected officials, including Chicago Alderwoman Maria Hadden and Cook County Commissioner Maggie Trevor, discussing the importance of inclusion and community partnership.
This event will also be recorded.
MWRD Board of Commissioners June meetings
Thursday, June 4 and 18, 10:30 a.m.
The MWRD Board of Commissioners will hold its Regular Board Meeting at 10:30 a.m. on Thursday, June 4 and Thursday, June 18.
Public comments may be made at the Barbara J. McGowan Main Office Building, 100 E. Erie Street, Chicago, during the Public Comment period. Visit mwrd.org to watch the meeting online. Click on "Board of Commissioners" in the upper right corner, then click on Board calendar. An "In Progress" link under the Video Column will be active when there is a meeting in session. Closed captioning is available.
MWRD/DWM to host wing storage media availability on June 11
On Thursday, June 11, 2026, at 10:30 a.m., the MWRD and City of Chicago Department of Water Management (DWM) will host a media availability to showcase two newly delivered wing storage units on the West Side to build more stormwater capacity in communities affected by 2023 flooding.
This event will be held on Le Moyne Street between Luna and Lorel Avenues to provide a closer glimpse at the infrastructure that is being installed in the 37th Ward. A second project in the 28th Ward, also funded by the MWRD and DWM, was completed on Maypole Avenue between Cicero and Lavergne avenues.
Juneteenth flag raising set for June 15 at 10 a.m.
On Monday, June 15 at 10 a.m., the MWRD will raise the Juneteenth flag at the Barbara J. McGowan Main Office Building and at all seven water reclamation plants to honor and recognize Freedom Day. The flag‑raising ceremony will include brief remarks from MWRD leadership as the MWRD reaffirms its commitment to equity, inclusion, and the ongoing pursuit of justice.
Monthly Virtual Tour set for Tuesday, June 16 at 2 p.m.
Follow the flush for a live virtual tour of the MWRD’s water reclamation process on Tuesday, June 16 at 2 p.m. Learn how we protect our waterways, reduce pollution and turn waste into renewable resources. Join us to receive a fresh perspective on water.
Monitoring and Research Monthly Seminar set for June 26 at 10:30 a.m.
"California's Rise to Resilience in a Changing Climate."
On Friday, June 26 at 10:30 a.m., Felicia Marcus, William C. Landreth Visiting Fellow, Water in the West Program, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, will discuss "California's Rise to Resilience in a Changing Climate."
In person: Stickney Water Reclamation Plant, Lue-Hing R&D Complex, 6001 West Pershing Rd., Cicero, IL. Reservations must be made at least 24 hours in advance by emailing MnRSeminars@mwrd.org or calling 708-588-4264 or 708-588-4059.
Virtual: Go to Seminars and Presentations on June 26 for the link to access the seminar.
For additional information, please email MnRSeminars@mwrd.org.
The seminar is eligible for Professional Development Credits/CEUs.
MWRD Small Business Success Stories webinar is June 26
The MWRD's Small Business Success Story webinar series highlights small and diverse businesses that have partnered successfully with us. Each session shares insights, lessons and inspiration to help other small and diverse businesses connect, grow and succeed in public contracting. The next session is set for Friday, June 26 at 2 p.m. The featured speaker and registration information will be posted on mwrd.org soon.
MWRD in the News
Ribbon-cutting on accessibility improvements in Blue Island held
On May 8 we formally cut the ribbon on the new enhancements at our Louis S. Viverito SEPA Station 3, featuring the waterfalls that flow into the Cal-Sag Channel.
President Kari K. Steele, Vice President Patricia Theresa Flynn, Commissioner Precious Brady-Davis, Commissioner Yumeka Brown, Commissioner Beth McElroy Kirkwood, and Commissioner Sharon Waller were joined by City of Blue Island Mayor Fred Bilotto; Illinois State Rep. Bob Rita; Worth Township Supervisor Patricia Joan Murphy, Horacio Esparza, Exec. Director, Progress Center for Independent Living; Sara Brown, Exec. Director, Blue Island Chamber of Commerce; Blue Island City Clerk Raeann Cantelo-Zylman; and Blue Island Treasurer Nancy Rita.
The improvements mark a significant step in enhancing public access to the SEPA station which is designed to improve water quality for aquatic life. During warmer months, river water is pumped into elevated pools, creating waterfalls that add oxygen to waterways. The MWRD has five SEPA stations along the Cal-Sag Channel which can pump up to 1.3 billion gallons of water per day, adding 25 tons of oxygen to the Chicago Area Waterway System daily.
MWRD Board of Commissioners, staff visit state leaders in Springfield
Commissioners and staff visited state legislators in Springfield, IL on May 12-13 to discuss the MWRD’s priorities and ongoing initiatives. Because the MWRD was created by state statute, commissioners recognize the importance of maintaining strong relationships with lawmakers to keep them informed about the MWRD's work.
Current projects, legislative needs, and opportunities for collaboration to support the MWRD’s mission of protecting public health and safety, improving our water environment, and building flood resilience were discussed.
MWRD celebrates Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month
Honoring culture, community and the stories that shape Chicago, the MWRD celebrated Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month by hosting a lunch gathering that featured Chicago Federation of Labor Secretary Treasurer Don Villar. He delivered a compelling keynote that intertwined his family’s immigrant journey, a legacy of labor activism and the enduring power of cross‑racial solidarity in the American labor movement.
Villar reflected on his father’s escape from persecution in the Philippines, the racism his family confronted upon arriving in Chicago, and the acts of solidarity extended by the city’s African American community that helped his family build a new life.
MWRD Open Houses
More than 350 visitors followed the flush to the O’Brien Water Reclamation Plant on May 2 for an all-ages tour and interactive programming with scientists, engineers and partners. Guests went behind the scenes to learn how the District transforms wastewater into clean water to help protect the region’s environment. The excitement continued on May 16, when we welcomed 450 guests to the Stickney Water Reclamation Plant, followed by 200 visitors to the Calumet Water Reclamation Plant on May 30. If you missed any of our open houses, you can always register for a full in‑person or virtual tour. Visit mwrd.org or call (312) 751‑6633.
34th Street Rehabilitation Project groundbreaking in Berwyn held May 1
MWRD Vice President Patricia Theresa Flynn, Chairman of Finance Marcelino Garcia and Commissioners Beth McElroy Kirkwood, Cam Davis and Sharon Waller joined the city of Berwyn and other partners to break ground on the 34th Street Rehabilitation Project in Berwyn on May 1. The ceremony was held at the corner of 34th Street and Oak Park Avenue where the city plans to rehabilitate a one‑mile stretch of 34th Street between Harlem and Ridgeland Avenues. Improvements will include roadway, sidewalk, and curb‑and‑gutter upgrades.
The MWRD is contributing $373,500 toward the installation of permeable paver parking lanes; the overall project cost is $7.8 million. The improvements are expected to reduce flooding, decrease stormwater runoff and highlight the benefits of green infrastructure for residents. The project is designed to retain up to 112,800 gallons of stormwater per rain event. The funding comes from the MWRD's Green Infrastructure Partnership Program.
MWRD’s Melas Centennial Fountain returns for the season
On the day before the District’s 137th anniversary, the MWRD welcomed the seasonal return of the Nicholas J. Melas Centennial Fountain with a kickoff event on May 28. Chicago's 42nd Ward Ald. Brendan Reilly joined MWRD President Kari K. Steele, MWRD commissioners, staff and community partners along the Chicago Riverwalk to launch the fountain and celebrate the start of the river recreation season and the MWRD’s 137th anniversary on May 29.
With boat traffic picking up, construction cranes dotting the skyline and more visitors enjoying the Riverwalk, the fountain serves as a central meeting place for visitors and neighbors as well as the flow of water where the Chicago River meets the lakefront. The fountain also represents the MWRD’s history of reversing the flow of the river and its continued mission today to protect these important resources.
Located on the north bank of the Chicago River at McClurg Court, the fountain was constructed in 1989 to celebrate the MWRD’s 100th anniversary. It is named after Nicholas J. Melas, a former MWRD president.
Resources
Flood Response Resource Guide
MWRD's new guide that provides practical steps for residents to follow before, during and after a flood is available at mwrd.org and hard copies are available by emailing public.affairs@mwrd.org. “What to Do and Where to Get Help: Flood Response Resource Guide” provides practical steps for residents to follow before, during and after a flood. It also lists key agencies, local resources, and contact information to help those impacted recover more quickly. This tool is designed to make it easier for residents to find reliable information when they need it most.
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 looking for a new career?
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.
Stormwater Partnerships available for local government
The MWRD can help local government organizations pay for the construction of stormwater infrastructure on public property in Cook County.
The program funds projects that address flooding through a variety of traditional engineering solutions including localized detention, upsizing critical storm sewers and culverts, pumping stations, establishing drainage ways, as well as green infrastructure. This infrastructure can reduce flooding and prevent damage to homes and businesses.
Throughout the year, the MWRD reviews applications and prioritizes projects for partnerships. The selected partner is responsible for their project's design, contract advertisement and award, acquiring any necessary property rights, construction, and long-term maintenance. There are four partnership programs offered on a regular basis.
Keep medications out of our water!
Medications 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 (HHW) Collections
Dispose of your household chemicals responsibly and recycle your old computers.
- Tuesdays 7 am - Noon
- Thursdays 2 pm - 7 pm
- The first Saturday of every month 8 am - 3 pm
Household Hazardous Waste (HHW) may be dropped 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.
Coming soon! South Suburban College, 15800 State St., South Holland, will be the site of a new permanent HHW facility. 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 where residents can dispose of electronics, polystyrene foam, clothing and textiles, personal healthcare equipment and general household recycling materials. CHaRM has taken in nearly 2.5 million pounds of materials. Read more.
Doing Business with the MWRD
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 water
Read our "Green Neighbor Guide"
It's never too soon 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.
Oak sapling program opens for 10th season
Our complimentary Restore the Canopy oak sapling program is back for the 10th year! Bur, pin, red and 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 a pick up time.
The saplings come in one gallon pots or can be requested as bare roots in bags of 100. The bare root saplings should be planted within a few days for premium viability.
Since our program began in 2016, we have distributed more than 100,000 free native trees!
Rain barrels for sale
Discounted rain barrel pricing is in effect. Cook County residents may purchase up to two rain barrels for $22.30 each which includes tax and delivery. Barrels are $11.15 each for residents age 65 and older. Allow 30 days for delivery.
Rain barrels are available to residents of Cook County through the MWRD website. Rain barrels capture rainwater from your roof 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. Our 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.
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.
MWRD resource guide empowers communities to adopt green infrastructure practices
The MWRD has created a green infrastructure community guide, which aims to help communities manage stormwater through green infrastructure techniques that employ natural solutions to mitigate flooding and improve water quality. This guide equips municipal leaders, planners, public works directors, engineers, staff, and other decision-makers with valuable information, resources, and guidance for incorporating green infrastructure into their communities to better manage stormwater.
What's the difference between the MWRD and Chicago Department of Water Management?
Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago (MWRD)
The MWRD is a regional independent government agency responsible for treating wastewater and managing stormwater for Chicago and 128 municipalities. It is governed by a 9-member Board of Commissioners, each of whom is elected countywide in Cook County. The MWRD’s key functions include:
- Treating wastewater from households, businesses and industries
- Operating water reclamation plants and large intercepting sewers
- Providing large-scale stormwater and flood-control services, including the Tunnel and Reservoir Plan (TARP or “Deep Tunnel”)
- Partnering with communities within Cook County on stormwater and green infrastructure projects
- Managing waterways and protecting regional water quality
The MWRD does not provide drinking water.
City of Chicago Department of Water Management (DWM)
The DWM is a municipal department of the City of Chicago focused on drinking water delivery and sewer and stormwater services within the City of Chicago. A commissioner appointed by the Mayor of Chicago leads the department.
Extras
Historical Photo of the Month
Construction of the 95th Street Pumping station located on Baltimore Ave just south of 95th Street in Chicago on June 16, 1924. The pumping station went into service in 1925.
June 2026 Calendar
The presence of tiny water fleas called daphnia indicates algae in the system and also indicates healthy treated water as they are sensitive to toxins.
