The Czech leaders and MWRD engineers in attendance shared their experiences in developing solutions to address stormwater management challenges during a period of unpredictable and intense rainstorms brought on by climate change.

In places where combined sewer overflow is an issue, using water-consuming appliances at appropriate times can help keep waterways clean. Some municipalities, like the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago, offer alert programs so residents can reduce their water usage and help prevent such overflows from happening.

Stormwater Partnership pre-applications are now being accepted through December 2025 through four MWRD programs.

Ralph Exton, Executive Director for the Water Environment Federation’s Technical Exhibition and Conference, joins Your Money Matters. Ralph shares how Chicago is the definition of a water city, the innovations between water and AI, and more.

For this collaborative research project, scientists are exploring how the use of biosolids as a sustainable alternative to chemical fertilizers can cultivate more hemp.

The awards recognize the activities and innovations from entities such as cities and villages, schools, houses of worship, businesses and others.