Upcoming Events

MWRD Board of Commissioners September meetings
Thursday, January 8 and 22, 10:30 a.m.

Monthly Virtual Tour set for Wednesday, January 14 at 2 p.m.

Monitoring and Research Monthly Seminar set for Friday, January 30 at 10:30 a.m.

"A Strategy of Reducing Phosphorus Pollution in the Corn Belt."

On Friday, January 30 at 10:30 a.m., Roland D. Cusick, Ph.D., Associate Professor, Department of Civil & Environmental Engineering, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois, will discuss "A Strategy of Reducing Phosphorus Pollution in the Corn Belt."

In person: Stickney Water Reclamation Plant, Lue-Hing R&D Complex, 6001 West Pershing Rd., Cicero, IL. Reservations must be made at least 24 hours in advance by emailing [email protected]or calling 708-588-4264or 708-588-4059.

Virtual: Go to Seminars and Presentations on January 30 for the link to access the seminar.

For additional information, please email [email protected].

The seminar is eligible for Professional Development Credits/CEUs.

Learn more

MWRD's Pan-African Flag Raising set for February 2

Join the MWRD as we celebrate Black History Month with the raising of the Pan-African flag!

When: Monday, Feb. 2, 2026, at 10 a.m.

Where: Barbara J. McGowan Main Office Building, 100 E. Erie St., Chicago

The MWRD kicks off the month with its seventh annual Pan-African flag-raising ceremony at the Main Office Building and all seven water reclamation plants.

This event honors the achievements of the Black community and MWRD's commitment to diversity. The annual Black History Month program will be held later in the month.

MWRD in the News

MWRD President's Annual Message - 2025

Reflecting on the past 12 months, I am proud to witness how our collective efforts have made lasting positive impacts and secured meaningful progress across wastewater treatment, stormwater management, waterway stewardship, monitoring and research, infrastructure management, fiscal strength and community engagement. We met our mission in protecting the health and safety of the 5.19 million people we serve, protecting the quality of their water while building regional resilience against a changing climate.

This year the MWRD was showered with praise in receiving the prestigious "Leading Utility of the World" award at the Water Environment Federation's Technical Exhibition and Conference (WEFTEC). The honor underscores our status among the world's most forward-thinking water and wastewater utilities. We joined a global network of utilities held up as the "gold standard of utility innovation and performance."

This achievement reflects our steadily advancing capabilities, deep commitment to stewardship and readiness to lead into the future. In our presentation to the Leading Utilities of the World at WEFTEC, we highlighted our triumphs in meeting the challenges of climate change, community engagement and nutrient control. But these are only a few of the many challenges we face each day, and I am proud to report that our staff continues to rise to the occasion, working tirelessly to protect public health and preserve our water environment.

In the pages that follow, you will find highlights of our progress under the MWRD's 2021-2025 Strategic Plan, including achievements in protecting water quality, advancing research, pursuing energy neutrality, enhancing climate resilience, expanding green infrastructure and strengthening community partnerships. These efforts reflect our commitment to sound financial stewardship and our mission to serve the people of Cook County.

Thank you to the Board of Commissioners, our talented workforce, our municipal partners, our vendors and contractors, community organizations and residents for helping make 2025 a year of significant advancement. We carry this momentum forward with purpose and optimism.

Sincerely,

Kari K. Steele

President, Board of Commissioners

Read the President's Message

MWRD scientists net their biggest smallmouth bass ever on the Cal-Sag Channel

Scientists at the MWRD are going to need a bigger boat as aquatic biologists reported catching the biggest smallmouth bass in over 51 years of MWRD fish monitoring on the Chicago Area Waterway System.

The fish was caught on Oct. 30 in the Cal-Sag Channel near the MWRD's Sidestream Elevated Pool Aeration (SEPA) station in Blue Island. It weighed 3.9 pounds with a length of 19.7 inches. In 2022, the same MWRD crew also caught a trophy size largemouth bass over four pounds on the same waterway.

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. The presence of larger specimens suggests that the conditions can support the high energy demands needed for fish to grow large.

Read more

2025 in Review

In 2025, the MWRD served 5.19 million residents across 129 municipalities within its 882.1-square-mile service area. Through November, the MWRD treated an average of 1.1 billion gallons of water per day-totaling 359 billion gallons-and conducted nearly 397,600 laboratory tests to safeguard water quality and biosolids. The MWRD advanced stormwater resilience with more than 289 new projects protecting nearly 18,853 structures, while its Tunnel and Reservoir Plan captured over 14 billion gallons of stormwater.

The MWRD also opened seven new Space to Grow schoolyards that manage over 2.2 million gallons per rain event and educate students on green infrastructure. Community engagement remained strong, with over 391,000 people reached, 7,632 rain barrels delivered, 17,000 native seed packets distributed, 11,500 tree saplings planted, and 390 pounds of medications collected. Additionally, the MWRD removed over 8,500 cubic yards of debris from waterways, conducted 22 fish surveys, and performed nearly 687,000 dissolved oxygen measurements to support aquatic life and improve water quality.

Adopted budget affords MWRD's reliable, essential, innovative wastewater treatment, stormwater management services in 2026

The MWRD Board of Commissioners formally adopted a $1.8 billion budget on Dec. 18 to continue the MWRD's critical work protecting the water environment for 5.19 million people living throughout Cook County.

New for the 2026 budget, the MWRD introduced an interactive online budget dashboardat mwrd.org. The budget is supported by a total tax levy of $755.7 million that affords the MWRD the resources to treat wastewater from homes and businesses in Chicago and 128 surrounding municipalities and serve as the regional stormwater authority for Cook County. The MWRD's share of the 2026 estimated property tax for a $350,000 home is approximately $368, about $1 per day for an essential service. These 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.

Read more

MWRD joins Illinois America 250 partnership to celebrate America's 250th anniversary

The MWRD has joined Illinois America 250 as an official partner in commemorating America's 250th anniversary. This collaboration highlights the shared commitment to sustainability, innovation and community engagement as Illinois prepares for this historic milestone.

In recognition of Illinois America's leadership in organizing the Illinois 250th celebration, the MWRD Board of Commissioners presented a resolution to organizers, underscoring the importance of this initiative and reaffirming MWRD's dedication to advancing environmental stewardship and civic pride.

Illinois America 250 is an inclusive, statewide effort to bring together Illinoisans' diverse perspectives about our history-and our future-as we commemorate the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 2026. Learn more at https://www.il250.org/.

Resources

Flood Response Resource Guide

The MWRD has released a first edition of the new "What to Do and Where to Get Help: Flood Response Resource Guide."

The guide provides practical steps for residents to follow before, during, and after a flood. It also lists key agencies, local resources, and contact information to help those impacted recover more quickly. This new tool is designed to make it easier for residents to find reliable information when they need it most. The guide can be found at mwrd.organd hard copies are available by emailing [email protected].

Sign up for Overflow Action Alert text messages

Join Our Team!

Stormwater Partnerships available for local government

The MWRD can help local government organizations pay for the construction of stormwater infrastructure on public property in Cook County.

The program funds projects that address flooding through a variety of traditional engineering solutions including localized detention, upsizing critical storm sewers and culverts, pumping stations, establishing drainage ways, as well as green infrastructure. This infrastructure can reduce flooding and prevent damage to homes and businesses.

Throughout the year, the MWRD reviews applications and prioritizes projects for partnerships. The selected partner is responsible for their project's design, contract advertisement and award, acquiring any necessary property rights, construction, and long-term maintenance. There are four partnership programs offered on a regular basis.

Find more information

Keep medications out of our water!

Medications can end up in waterways. This includes pet medications too!

These drugs can pass through our water reclamation plants (WRPs) and enter rivers and streams. This can harm fish, plant life and our waterways. Controlling what goes down the drain is an easy and effective way to protect the environment.

How you can help

You can help keep medications from entering our waterways by disposing of unwanted medicine properly.

• Never flush unused medications or toss expired medicines in the garbage.
• Take unused and expired medications to Cook County Prescription Drug Take Back Network locations.
• For over-the-counter products, monitor your supply. Store them in one spot in your home to avoid accidentally buying extras.

The MWRD is proud to play a role in collecting unwanted medicine and keeping our drains medicines free. Our boxes are located near the entrances at the Stickney, Calumet and O'Brien WRPs and in the lobby of the Barbara J. McGowan Main Office Building in Chicago. Do not leave medication outside the box. If a box is locked, please return during hours of operation or visit another location.

MWRD drug collection box locations

What is the key to pollution prevention when it comes to are Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS)?

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are a group of manmade fluorinated compounds that are designed to be stable and have been in commercial use since the 1940s. The stability of the chemicals makes them difficult to degrade which is why they are often called "forever chemicals." PFAS are in commercial, consumer, and industrial products and and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced that they are widely present in the environment; nonstick cookware, cosmetics, sunscreens, washing clothes, and fire-fighting foams can introduce PFAS into the environment.

Like other water utilities across the U.S., the MWRD is addressing how best to manage PFAS in the water environment. The MWRD's seven water reclamation plants (WRPs) do not produce nor use PFAS but are passive receivers of these chemicals discharged to local sewers. As a result, wastewater can contain trace amounts of these chemicals from industrial, commercial and household sources. The MWRD's WRPs were not designed to remove these chemicals during the treatment process.

The key to pollution prevention is addressing the source of PFAS.

The MWRD is closely following and proceeding based on the developing science on the potential impacts of PFAS. The MWRD is also working to identify and reduce industrial discharges of PFAS, learning how the discharge from these sources can be reduced and encouraging federal and state regulators to focus on stopping these chemicals at the source. The MWRD's pretreatment program regulates industrial discharges to protect the treatment process and valuable resources the MWRD recovers.

More PFAS information

Permanent Household Hazardous Waste (HHW) Collections

Dispose of your household chemicals responsibly and recycle your old computers.

• Tuesdays 7 am - Noon
• Thursdays 2 pm - 7 pm
• The first Saturday of every month 8 am - 3 pm

Household Hazardous Waste (HHW) may be dropped off at the City of Chicago's permanent Household Chemicals & Computer Recycling Facility at 1150 N. North Branch Street (two blocks east of the Kennedy Expressway at Division Street).

Household chemicals and computers often contain hazardous substances, such as lead, mercury, and PCBs (polychlorinated biphenyls) which can contaminate our air, soil and water. Through proper disposal methods or recycling, these hazardous substances are reprocessed and reused in an environmentally-responsible manner.

Coming soon! South Suburban College, 15800 State St., South Holland, will be the site of a new permanent HHW facility opening this fall. Residents will be able to dispose of household chemicals, rechargeable batteries, oil-based paints, solvents, medications, fluorescent light bulbs, antifreeze, motor oil, gasoline, auto fluids, herbicides, pesticides, insecticides, aerosol cans and lawn, pool and hobby chemicals. This facility will be located next to the Center for Hard to Recycle Materials (CHaRM) Center where residents can dispose of electronics, polystyrene foam, clothing and textiles, personal healthcare equipment and general household recycling materials. CHaRM has taken in nearly 2.5 million pounds of materials. Read more.

See accepted items

Doing Business with the MWRD

Watch a video on how to submit a responsive bid or proposal.

The MWRD Department of Procurement and Materials Management procures materials and services required for operations in compliance with the MWRD Purchasing Act. The mission of the Diversity Section is to ensure that minority owned (MBE), women owned (WBE), small (SBE), and veteran owned (VBE) business enterprises are given equal opportunities to participate in the MWRD's construction program and professional service contracts in excess of $100,000.

Our procurement process is designed to ensure the most efficient use of taxpayer dollars, so we encourage you to register to become a vendor. Sign up for a weekly email listing new contract announcements by emailing [email protected].

Get started

Please report waterway blockages, suspicious dumping to waterways or sewers, or odors.

Call 800-332-DUMP (3867) or in Spanish 855-323-4801

Learn more

Be sale smart this winter!

With winter firmly settled over the Chicago area, residents and businesses are turning to road salt to keep sidewalks, walkways, and streets safer and more reliable for daily travel.

The MWRD advocates for a prudent approach to the management of road salt.

Road salt can provide safety, but it also has unwanted ramifications for the local water environment. Rock salt (sodium chloride) and salt runoff can be harmful to pets, bodies of water and soil along roadways and sidewalks. In addition, excessive road salt can impact vegetation, as well as contaminate groundwater and drinking water.

According to the Salt Smart Collaborative, chloride levels in northeastern Illinois rivers, lakes and wetlands have been on the rise for decades. The challenge with protecting Lake Michigan and the Chicago Area Waterway System (CAWS) is that road salt use increases with urban development, and the more development, the more miles of roads and walkways that need winter deicing. All that salt eventually makes its way to area waterways, and MWRD water reclamation plants cannot always filter it out before releasing it as clean water into the CAWS.

Follow these guidelines to protect the environment:

1. Shovel first. Salt should only be used after the snow is removed and only in areas needed for safety.

2. Size up. More salt does not mean more melting. A 12-ounce coffee mug of salt should be enough for a 20-foot driveway or 10 sidewalk squares (250 square feet).

3. Spread. Distribute salt evenly, not in clumps. Clumped salt is wasted salt.

4. Sweep. If there is leftover salt on the ground after the ice melts, then too much salt was used. Sweep up leftover salt to keep it out of local rivers and streams.

5. Switch. Untreated salt stops working if the temperature is below 15 degrees. When temperatures drop that low, switch to sand for traction or choose a different deicer formulated for colder temperatures.

Learn to be salt smart

Tips to prepare your home for excess water

Read our "Green Neighbor Guide"

It's never too soon to work on projects that can make your home more resilient to stormwater.

Rain barrels for sale

Rain barrels are available to residents of Cook County through the MWRD website. Rain barrels capture rainwater from your roof for later use. They can help prevent basement backups, street flooding and sewer overflows by keeping rainwater out of the sewer system.

You can use rain barrel water to water your lawn or garden and clean your work boots, tools and bikes.

Rain barrels can hold up to 55 gallons. The overflow opening lets you connect a hose to direct overflow away from your foundation or to connect several rain barrels. Our rain barrels:

• Are made from durable high-density polyethylene.
• Come in four colors (black, blue, terra cotta and gray) and may have different shapes depending on the vendor.
• Include instructions, a leaf and mosquito filter screen, a flexible downspout connector, a spigot/tap, and an overflow hose.
• Free delivery.

Buy a rain barrel

Tour an MWRD facility

Schedule a speaker

Request a community event representative

Extras

Historical Photo of the Month

January 2026 Calendar