nothing is more precious than water

METROPOLITAN WATER RECLAMATION DISTRICT OF GREATER CHICAGO

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TREATING WASTEWATER

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HELPING MANAGE STORMWATER

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PROTECTING OUR PRIMARY SOURCE OF DRINKING WATER, LAKE MICHIGAN

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METROPOLITAN WATER RECLAMATION DISTRICT OF GREATER CHICAGO ✦ TREATING WASTEWATER ✦ HELPING MANAGE STORMWATER ✦ PROTECTING OUR PRIMARY SOURCE OF DRINKING WATER, LAKE MICHIGAN ✦

MWRD Commissioner Precious Brady-Davis featured in the latest video by the Illinois Environmental Council, spotlighting Big Marsh Park—a vibrant oasis of wetlands right here in Chicago! This unique park is home to an incredible diversity of wildlife and plant species, providing essential habitats and helping to manage stormwater naturally. But these beautiful and vital ecosystems are under threat.

Illinois wetlands like Big Marsh Park offer so much more than scenic beauty; they support clean water, reduce flooding, and are vital for our environment and communities. That’s why we need your help to protect these irreplaceable habitats. Act now by reaching out to your legislators and urging them to support a bill to safeguard Illinois wetlands.

Visit ilenviro.org/actnow to contact your legislators today! Let them know that our wetlands matter and that it’s time to pass legislation to ensure their protection. Together, we can make a difference for Big Marsh and wetlands across Cook County.

MEET MWRD CMSR. precious BRADY-DAVIS

Precious Brady-Davis was appointed to the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago by Governor JB Pritzker in July, 2023. She is the first openly Black trans woman appointed to public office in Cook County history and the first to serve on a water reclamation district in the United States.

METROPOLITAN WATER

RECLAMATION DISTRICT (MWRD)

Established in 1889, the MWRD is an award-winning, special purpose government agency responsible for treating wastewater and managing stormwater in Cook County, Illinois. We strive to be a responsive neighbor that engages with the public on several critical water-related issues that improve the quality of life for all.

OUR MISSION: The MWRD will protect the health and safety of the public in its service area, protect the quality of the water supply source (Lake Michigan), improve the quality of water in watercourses in its service area, protect businesses and homes from flood damages, and manage water as a vital resource for its service area.

PHOTO: STICKNEY WATER RECLAMATION PLANT

frequently asked questions

  • The MWRD is responsible for treating wastewater and managing stormwater across Cook County. Its mission is to protect the region’s water environment by treating sewage and managing flooding, while also working to improve the quality of water in local rivers, streams, and Lake Michigan.

  • The MWRD operates seven water reclamation plants, including the largest in the world, the Stickney Water Reclamation Plant. These plants treat wastewater before releasing it into local waterways.

  • The MWRD is primarily funded through property taxes levied on properties in Cook County. Other sources of revenue include grants, fees from industrial waste dischargers, and the sale of biosolids produced during water treatment.

  • The MWRD is responsible for managing regional stormwater to mitigate flooding throughout Cook County. This includes overseeing projects like the Tunnel and Reservoir Plan (TARP), also known as "Deep Tunnel," and developing green infrastructure initiatives such as rain gardens and permeable pavement.

  • This program encourages and funds the development of green infrastructure solutions that reduce stormwater runoff and improve water quality. Eligible projects may include rain barrels, rain gardens, bioswales, and permeable paving installations.

  • TARP, or the Deep Tunnel project, is one of the MWRD’s key flood control systems designed to protect homes and businesses from floodwaters and to reduce pollution in local waterways. It includes tunnels and reservoirs that capture stormwater and wastewater overflow, preventing untreated water from reaching local rivers.

  • Yes, the MWRD offers tours of its facilities, including water reclamation plants and stormwater management sites. Tours are available for schools, organizations, and the general public.

  • The MWRD is actively working on sustainable and resilient infrastructure projects to combat climate change. This includes expanding green infrastructure, exploring renewable energy options, and focusing on water conservation and energy efficiency.

  • The public can get involved by attending board meetings, participating in public hearings, or applying for partnership programs like the Green Infrastructure Partnership. The MWRD also hosts community outreach events and educational programs.

  • The MWRD produces biosolids, a nutrient-rich byproduct of wastewater treatment, which are repurposed as a soil amendment for land restoration, agriculture, and landscaping. These biosolids help improve soil health and promote sustainable land use.

BECOME A

water warrior

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SIGN UP FOR OVERFLOW ACTION ALERTS

You can help reduce basement backups and flooding by conserving water before, during and after rainstorms.

In most of the Chicago area, rainwater goes through the same set of pipes as the water that goes down the drain in your home. When too much water enters sewers too quickly, the sewers can back up into streets and basements. Additionally, extra water in sewers can cause them to overflow into the river in some cases. Every little bit of conservation can help reduce the overall amount of water in the system. 

Ways to conserve water 

  • Delay or reduce shower times

  • Put off running the dishwasher

  • Wait to wash clothes in the laundry

  • Replace old and leaky faucets, toilets and showerheads with new products approved by EPA WaterSense

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EXPLORE & LEARN WITH MWRD

SUBSCRIBE TO MWRD COMMISSIONER BRADY-DAVIS’ NEWSLETTER

COMMUNITY ACTION

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PARTNERSHIPS

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COMMUNITY ACTION ✦ PARTNERSHIPS ✦

want to get involved? let’s chat.