Ever wondered where water comes from and where it goes in Chicago? A new video produced by the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago (MWRD) and Chicago Department of Water Management (DWM) chronicles the varied yet integral roles the two agencies play in managing Chicago’s water.

The video, “Water in Chicago: Where Does it Come From? Where Does it Go,” is now streaming on the MWRD’s and DWM’s YouTube channels explaining how the two agencies manage Chicago water. MWRD President Kari K. Steele and DWM Commissioner Randy Conner explain how their two agencies’ work intersects to protect Chicago’s precious natural resource. Despite sharing similar roles, acronyms, service areas and a like-minded passion for water, the two agencies are often confused. The video attempts to better define these critical roles, while also engaging new audiences to take ownership of these important water resources that make the Chicago region a special place to call home.

“We’re excited to share this video and offer insight into the critical work our agencies do to serve millions of residents across the Chicago region,” said President Steele. “The MWRD and the Chicago Department of Water Management each play an essential role in maintaining the infrastructure that ensures our water systems keep flowing every day.”

The CDWM purifies Lake Michigan water into high quality drinking water for the city of Chicago and 120 surrounding communities. They operate the largest conventional water treatment plant in the world and maintain 4,200 miles of water main and 4,600 miles of local sewers. Chicago has a combined sewer system which means that both stormwater and wastewater are conveyed to the MWRD through the same sewer pipes.

The MWRD treats over 1 billion gallons of water on the average day and returns it to the environment as clean water that is sent downstream, eventually reaching the Gulf of Mexico. But both agencies share in the work of managing stormwater and mitigating flooding. The video further explains these critical roles. While CDWM purifies 750 million gallons of Lake Michigan water each day, the MWRD treats over 1 billion gallons of water on the average day and returns it to the environment as clean water that is sent downstream, eventually reaching the Gulf of Mexico. Both agencies share in the work of managing stormwater and mitigating flooding. The video further explains these critical roles.

“DWM and MWRD work on opposite ends of water’s journey into and out of residents’ homes and many people don’t know the difference between us,” said DWM Commissioner Randy Conner. “We hope this video demonstrates the partnership that we have not only around drinking and wastewater but also fighting area flooding and educating the community about protecting our precious water resources for generations to come.”

Although the two agencies have different responsibilities, the video emphasizes the interconnected systems and shared commitment to reducing flooding, protecting public health and the water environment. 

To learn more about the two different agencies, visit mwrd.org and chicago.gov/city/en/depts/water.html.

Watch the video