MWRD FLOW - May 2026
For the Love of Water (FLOW) is the MWRD monthly news summary.
In this edition:
Upcoming Events
34th Street Rehabilitation Project groundbreaking in Berwyn set for May 1
A groundbreaking event for the 34th Street Rehabilitation Project in Berwyn is set for Friday, May 1 at 3 p.m. This ceremony will be held on a vacant lot at the corner of 34th Street and Oak Park Avenue where the city of Berwyn 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 Open Houses
The MWRD will host open houses for all ages between the hours of 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on May 2, 16 and 30. Visitors can take an abbreviated tour of each plant, participate in interactive activities with MWRD staff, and take home free oak tree saplings, milkweed and native wildflower seeds. Guests may also drop off unwanted medicines as part of the MWRD’s collection campaign to help keep pharmaceuticals out of local water resources.
Please wear closed-toe shoes and attire suitable for an industrial environment. Those interested in a more in‑depth experience are welcome to register for a full in‑person tour or virtual tour. For more information, visit mwrd.org or call (312) 751‑6633.
Monthly Virtual Tour set for Tuesday, May 5 at 2 p.m.
In conjunction with Chicago Water Week, follow the flush for a live virtual tour of the MWRD’s water reclamation process on Tuesday, May 5 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.
MWRD Board of Commissioners May meetings
Thursday, May 7 and 21, 10:30 a.m.
The MWRD Board of Commissioners will hold its Regular Board Meeting at 10:30 a.m. on Thursday, May 7 and Thursday, May 21.
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.
Ribbon-cutting on accessibility improvements in Blue Island set for May 8
The MWRD will host a ribbon-cutting ceremony at the Sidestream Elevated Pool Aeration (SEPA) #3, 2250 Fulton St., Blue Island, on Friday, May 8, at 10:30 a.m.
This improvement marks a significant step in enhancing public access to one of the MWRD’s most scenic facilities. The concrete ramp and segmented retaining wall were designed to provide a safe, level and ADA-compliant path for visitors of all ages and abilities. Braille signs were also added to assist visually-impaired visitors. The SEPA station has long been a popular destination for residents, offering waterfalls, picnic areas, recreation and educational opportunities about water quality.
The main purposes of the SEPA stations are to improve water quality for aquatic life. During warmer months, SEPA stations pump river water 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 to celebrate Asian American and Pacific Islander on May 11
The MWRD will host an Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month lunch event on Monday, May 11, 2026, from noon – 1 p.m. in the Board room at the Barbara J. McGowan Main Office Building, 100 E. Erie St., Chicago. The guest speaker is Don Villar, Secretary-Treasurer, Chicago Federation of Labor, who will provide an engaging conversation on “Power in Unity: Strengthening Communities Together.” The program will also be recorded.
Centennial Fountain season opener set for May 28
The MWRD is welcoming the seasonal return of the iconic Nicholas J. Melas Centennial Fountain with a special kickoff event on date, day, time. The community is invited to gather at the fountain on May 28 at 10 a.m. as the MWRD activates the fountain and celebrates the start of river recreation season.
Monitoring and Research Monthly Seminar set for May 29 at 10:30 a.m.
“Enhancing Anaerobic Digestion with Microbial Hydrolysis Process”
On Friday, May 29 at 10:30 a.m., Maddy Fairley-Wax, P.E., Project Engineer, Jacobs, Denver, CO will discuss “Enhancing Anaerobic Digestion with Microbial Hydrolysis Process.”
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 May 29 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 May 29
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 May 29 at 2 p.m. The featured speaker and registration information will be announced on mwrd.org soon.
MWRD in the News
MWRD participates in Lyons Township “Stormwater and Infrastructure Updates” meeting
Lyons Township hosted its Stormwater and Infrastructure Updates Luncheon for government officials on April 8.
MWRD Vice President Patricia Theresa Flynn, Commissioner Beth McElroy Kirkwood, Executive Director John Murray, Director of Engineering Catherine O’Connor, Assistant Director of Engineering Kevin Fitzpatrick and Principal Civil Engineer Holly Sauter joined U.S. Rep. Sean Casten (6th Dist.), Illinois Department of Transportation Project Implementation Engineer Issam Rayyan, Lyons Township Highway Commissioner Terry Carr and Clerk Elyse Hoffenberg and town representatives discussed upcoming projects and the MWRD’s latest initiatives to manage stormwater, mitigate flooding and protect area water quality.
MWRD receives WaterSense partner certificate
The MWRD received its reporting certificate from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's WaterSense® for reporting 2025 annual data. The data helps the EPA track WaterSense’s progress and achievements.
More than 9.9 trillion gallons of water have been saved since 2006. The MWRD actively promotes water conservation through education, outreach and community initiatives.
For example, the MWRD participates in Fix a Leak Week, encouraging residents to repair household leaks to prevent water waste. Additionally, the MWRD supports a rain barrel program, green infrastructure projects and public awareness campaigns to help protect our precious water resources.
MWRD earns Gold-Level recognition from American Water Works Association’s Water Ambassador Program
The MWRD’s commitment to public engagement has landed its Office of Public Affairs a Gold Level designation from the Illinois Section of the American Water Works Association’s (ISAWWA's) Water Ambassador Program. This is the highest honor granted through the initiative. An award was presented on April 14 in Peoria, IL.
The Water Ambassador Program highlights organizations that go above and beyond in promoting water stewardship, and the Gold Level designation recognizes organizations that demonstrate exceptional commitment to water education, community engagement, and public outreach.
This recognition reflects the MWRD’s efforts in delivering robust educational programming to schools, community groups, and civic organizations; offering public tours, open houses, and hands-on learning opportunities; developing accessible, multilingual outreach materials; supporting statewide water‑awareness campaigns and professional development initiatives; and demonstrating leadership in public communications focused on water quality, infrastructure, and environmental protection.
Diversity hosts event to introduce new prime contractor
MWRD's Diversity Section hosted a Job Order Contract (JOC) outreach event on April 9 event at Black Contractors Owners and Executives to introduce McDonagh Demolition as the prime contractor for the MWRD JOC.
The event connected 40 participants to contractors and suppliers and featured presentations by MWRD staff with support from partners including the National Association of Minority Contractors, Black Contractors United, and U.S. Minority Contractors Association. The event strengthened connections and expanded opportunities for small, specialty and emerging firms to engage with McDonagh on upcoming MWRD projects.
Resources
Flood Response Resource Guide
A new guide that provides practical steps for residents to follow before, during and after a flood is now available. “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.
The guide can be found at mwrd.org and hard copies are available by emailing public.affairs@mwrd.org.
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.
Sapling program opens for 10th season
Our complimentary Restore the Canopy tree 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 matter of days for premium viability.
Since our program began in 2016, we have distributed more than 100,000 free native trees!
Rain barrels for sale
New rain barrel pricing is now in effect. Cook County residents my 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.
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.
Know 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 the Chicago region. 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 Des Plaines River Sewage Treatment Works on August 20, 1920, an early treatment plant built by the Sanitary District of Chicago (now MWRD) and located to the southeast of the intersection of Roosevelt Road and 1st Avenue in Forest Park. Construction of the plant began over a year before the MWRD began construction of the Calumet Water Reclamation Plant but it was only in operation until 1931, serving as a testing location for various treatment processes. Once the nearby Salt Creek intercepting sewer was placed in service, the flow originally conveyed to the Des Plaines River plant was then conveyed to the West Side Plant, which is now the Stickney Water Reclamation Plant.
Learn about the work of the MWRD on the MWRD YouTube channel.
May 2026 Calendar
A predatory free swimming ciliate indicates a healthy system. It supports wastewater treatment processes by eating crawling ciliates, which are nicknamed "the cows of wastewater treatment" because they are known to graze on clumps of bacteria.
