The reservoir has a capacity of 7.9 billion gallons and is connected to Chicago's Deep Tunnel network to prevent flooding — both in the form of basement backups and in the form of overflow of the banks of Thorn Creek.

How and why the flow of the Chicago River was reversed

The Illinois Environmental Protection Agency, which is now overseeing the site, observed asphalt in the canal and along the shoreline after the cleanup was reported complete, said IEPA spokesperson Kim Biggs in a statement last week.

Nearly a half-million gallons of non-road-grade liquid asphalt spilled into the canal this year. Under normal circumstances, this would be troubling, but federal resources could help address the problem quickly and effectively.

The find has been championed by MWRD officials as a significant positive indicator for water quality and ecosystem health.

Blue Island Public Library was delighted to be honored with the 2025 MWRD Excellence in Green Infrastructure Installation Award at the 13th Annual Sustainability Summit

MWRD’s message is “go easy on the salt,” citing the negative impact excessive salting, which eventually makes its way into sewers, not only has on waterways and aquatic life but trees, plants and animal paws.
 

In the Midwest, wetlands are a vital nature-based remedy for water management, serving as enormous sponges by absorbing rainfall, slowing runoff and reducing pressure on sewer systems during intense storms.

Flynn reflected on the resilience of Irish immigrants who fled famine and found new beginnings in Chicago. She drew a direct connection between the Irish laborers who helped build the Chicago Sanitary and Ship Canal more than a century ago and the ongoing mission of the MWRD to safeguard public health and protect the region’s water environment.

The MWRD is committed to building what the UN calls “future-ready sanitation.” For us, this means more than maintaining pipes and plants, it means maintaining and designing systems that are resilient.