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.

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.

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.
 

For The Love of Water (FLOW) is a summary of news from the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago.

Board meetings are open to the public and can be streamed online.

Board meetings are open to the public and can be streamed online.

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.

Board meetings are open to the public and can be streamed online.

Board meetings are open to the public and can be streamed online.

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.