MWRD’s Stickney Water Reclamation Plant open house set for May 16

WHO: Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago (MWRD)

WHAT: The MWRD will host an open house to welcome visitors of all ages for a behind-the-scenes look at how the MWRD transforms water and protects the region's environment.

WHERE: Stickney Water Reclamation Plant, 6001 W. Pershing, Cicero, IL

WHEN: Saturday, May 16, 2026, at 10 a.m. - 3 p.m. (The last tour begins at 2 p.m.)

Follow the flush to the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago's (MWRD's) open house at the Stickney Water Reclamation Plant, 6001 W. Pershing, Cicero, IL. Between the hours of 10 a.m. - 3 p.m. see how wastewater is transformed and returned to the environment as clean water in a matter of hours.

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 and the lifecycle of the monarch butterfly and other pollinators. Guests can also drop off unwanted medicine as part of the MWRD's collection campaign to keep pharmaceuticals out of area water resources.

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.