The presentations featured updates on the MWRD’s McCook Reservoir, part of the MWRD’s Tunnel and Reservoir Plan, which increases flood protection to everyone in Lyons Township that is served by a combined sewer system.

In addition to its important navigation mission, the Chicago Harbor Lock also serves as a significant flood reduction measure for the city of Chicago.

Our findings show how hydrometeorological, land surface, and subsurface conditions jointly control network dynamics, offering a foundation for building urban watershed resilience.

MWRD Commissioners and staff met with key Illinois state legislators, focusing on ways to strengthen the MWRD’s capacity to manage stormwater, advance wastewater treatment, and boost overall operational efficiency in managing the flow of water for Chicago and 128 municipalities that the MWRD serves.

While an American eel in the Chicago River is extraordinary in and of itself, what’s equally exciting is what the aquatic critter’s presence suggests about the health of our waterway.

Guests of all ages may take an abbreviated tour of the plant, meet with MWRD staff for interactive activities and take home free oak tree saplings, milkweed and native wildflower seeds to support stormwater management.

The threat has been building for years. Over the past century in Chicago, the likelihood of heavy rainstorms has increased sevenfold. These storms can drop more than 8.5 inches of rain in 24 hours.

Guests took home free oak tree saplings, milkweed and native wildflower seeds to support stormwater management and the lifecycle of the monarch butterfly and other pollinators.