Open house at MWRD’s O’Brien Water Reclamation Plant exposes public to critical work protecting water resources

More than 350 visitors followed the flush to the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago's (MWRD's) O'Brien Water Reclamation Plant (WRP) in Skokie, IL to learn more about the important work of the MWRD and how everyone plays a role in protecting their water environment.

The crowds flocked to the open house at the O'Brien WRP, 3500 Howard St., on May 2 for an all-ages tour and interactive programming with scientists, engineers and MWRD partners to go behind the scenes and learn how the MWRD transforms wastewater into clean water to protect the region's environment.

"We were thrilled to welcome inquiring minds and fellow water stewards for an open house and tour of our O'Brien Water Reclamation Plant," said MWRD President Kari K. Steele. "By opening our doors to the public, we can better share our work and passion for safeguarding our water, our environment and our planet."

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. Guests also dropped off unwanted medicine as part of the MWRD's collection campaign to keep pharmaceuticals out of area water resources.

Spread over nearly 100 acres, the O'Brien WRP treats up to 450 million gallons of wastewater per day to serve residents on Chicago's North Side and 17 surrounding municipalities that reach the northern end of Cook County. In operation since 1928, the O'Brien WRP serves over 1.3 million people in an area of 143 square miles.

"When visitors are engaged in our work, they too can develop a commitment to protecting our water resources," said MWRD Commissioner Beth McElroy Kirkwood. "We thank everyone for coming out and look forward to meeting more visitors at upcoming open houses."

The O'Brien WRP open house was part of the Chicago Water Week, sponsored by Current. To learn more, visit currentwater.org/chicago-water-week/.

For the curious who want to see more, or may have missed the O'Brien experience, the MWRD is hosting additional open houses and tours on May 16, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Stickney Water Reclamation Plant, 6001 W. Pershing Rd., Cicero, Ill., and on Saturday, May 30, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Calumet Water Reclamation Plant, 400 E. 130th St., Chicago, Ill.

Visitors are encouraged to wear closed-toe shoes and suitable attire for an industrial environment. For more information or to participate in longer tours, visit mwrd.org or call (312) 751-6633.

The MWRD opens its doors to neighbors, water advocates and curious minds at O'Brien Water Reclamation Plant to engage all generations on the important work the MWRD plays to protect the water environment. More open houses are planned for May 16 and May 30 at MWRD water reclamation plants.