MWRD commissioners, staff, local leaders and environmental experts exchanged strategies and success stories that focused on climate resilience, infrastructure improvements and community engagement.

The collection of larger game fish is generally a positive indicator for local water quality and ecosystem health. Many game fish species are sensitive to pollutants, temperature changes, and low dissolved oxygen levels.

These important funds help the MWRD adapt to its evolving role in meeting the challenges of climate change, unpredictable stormwater flows and emerging contaminants and pollutants that threaten the environment.

Presentation topics at the workshop covered the MWRD’s stormwater management partnership programs, state emergency coordination framework, public health and community resilience, flood insurance coverage and consumer protections.

The project was the result of a partnership between the forest preserve district and the DuPage River Salt Creek Workgroup. The funds for the roughly $9.5 million cost were raised from local wastewater treatment entities, including the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago.