The MWRD is building on a history of innovation. Our efforts to reduce energy use and our evolution into a resource recovery agency will directly benefit residents here in Chicago and Cook County. We’re working to reduce greenhouse gases, produce valuable products, promote a cleaner and more sustainable environment, and provide a return on investment that will benefit taxpayers.
Recovering Resources, Transforming Water
The MWRD views used water as a collection of raw resources to be recovered and reused beneficially. Through its Resource Recovery Program, the MWRD is aiming to reduce greenhouse gases and create a more sustainable environment.
Phosphorus Recovery
Construction of the world’s largest phosphorus recovery facility at our Stickney Water Reclamation Plant, July, 2016. This time-lapse video shows a portion of the process which required approximately 50 minutes to complete. Phosphorus is a non-renewable resource essential for life and is estimated to be gone from reserves within 100 years. Most of it is sourced from rock mines and must be transported considerable distances. Similar to nitrogen, excess phosphorus discharged to waterways can contribute to water quality problems. The Stickney phosphorus recovery facility has the potential to recover 2.3 million pounds per year of usable phosphorus to the economy in a high quality, slow-release form, which can be sold in stores and used in fertilizers.
World's Largest Phosphorus Recovery Facility
Ribbon Cutting Ceremony, May 25, 2016
Setting the bar for water stewardship and recovery for reuse, the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago in partnership with Ostara Nutrient Recovery Technologies officially opened the world's largest nutrient recovery facility at the MWRD's Stickney Water Reclamation Plant.