Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago

A photo of McCook Reservoir on Oct. 6 with MWRD Vice President Patricia Theresa Flynn (center) and U.S. Rep. Sean Casten, Illinois’ 6th Congressional District (second from right) with MWRD staff in the foreground.

The #MWRD welcomed U.S. Rep. Sean Casten, @casten.house.gov, for a tour of #McCookReservoir with MWRD Vice President Patricia Theresa Flynn and MWRD staff on Oct. 6 to see how the #TARP system reduces flooding and protects water quality for millions.

mwrd.org/what-we-do/t...

#CookCounty #Chicago

Resolution document from the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago recognizing the 50th anniversary of the Illinois Environmental Council. The resolution highlights the Council’s founding in 1975, its contributions to environmental policy and advocacy in Illinois, and a recent visit to the Calumet Water Reclamation Plant. The document is dated October 2, 2025, and includes the MWRD seal and names of the Board of Commissioners: Kari K. Steele, Patricia Theresa Flynn, Marcelino Garcia, Precious Brady-Davis, Yumeka Brown, Cameron Davis, Beth McElroy Kirkwood, Eira L. Corral Sepúlveda, and Sharon Waller.

📜 On October 2, the MWRD Board of Commissioners issued a resolution in honor of the 50th anniversary of the Illinois Environmental Council @ilenviro.bsky.social.

Join the next #MWRD Board of Commissioners Meeting to learn more about what we do. ➡️ Visit MWRD.org/BOC and click on Board Calendar.

Celebrating #HispanicHeritage with community, culture & stewardship! Join the #MWRD for our #LatinoHeritage Month Business Roundtable and Latino Stewardship Day. Learn, connect & give back. RSVP links below

🔗 mwrd.org/events/latin...

🔗 mwrd.org/events/latin...

🎥 @eirah2o.bsky.social

A worker and an engineer are seen in this interior view of a section of the Calumet intercepting sewer system on November 28, 1921. Join our virtual tour on Wednesday, October 15, at 2 p.m. to learn how the MWRD cleans wastewater for Chicago and 128 suburban communities. Register here: https://mwrd.org/education/tours/virtual-tours

📷 Interior view of a section of the Calumet intercepting sewer system on November 28, 1921.

📣 Join our virtual tour on Wednesday, October 15, at 2 p.m. to learn how the #MWRD cleans #wastewater for Chicago and 128 suburban communities. Register ⬇️
mwrd.org/education/to...
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A graphic promoting an article in Municipal Water Leader magazine featuring MWRD President Kari K. Steele smiling with arms crossed in front of an image of the McCook Reservoir. The headline reads, “Innovative Solutions for a Resilient Water Future,” dated October 2, 2025. The caption below notes that Steele highlights the MWRD’s 130+ year legacy of protecting public health and advancing water innovation, including reversing the Chicago River and building one of the world’s largest combined sewer overflow systems.

📣 ICYMI: MWRD President Kari K. Steele is featured in the October issue of Municipal Water Leader magazine. She highlights the MWRD’s 130+ year legacy of protecting public health and advancing water innovation.

mwrd.org/news/innovat...

#MWRD #Chicago
#RecoveringResources #TransformingWater

📣 Check out the October 2025 edition of FLOW for the latest news and event information from the #MWRD.

FLOW: For the Love of Water 🌊
mwrd.org/news/mwrd-flow-october-2025

🎥📍 The MWRD’s Nicholas J. Melas Centennial Fountain, May 14, 2025. The fountain reopens in May 2026. mwrd.org/what-we-do/r...

A graphic promoting Breast Cancer Awareness Month. The design features a large pink ribbon centered over a pink floral background with the text “October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month.” The bottom section includes the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago seal and lists the Board of Commissioners’ names and titles.

A graphic of a resolution document from the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago recognizing October as National Breast Cancer Awareness Month. The text highlights statistics about breast cancer, its impact, the importance of early detection, and the commitment of the Board of Commissioners to support awareness and research. The document is bordered in pink and blue, featuring the MWRD seal in the center and signed by the Board of Commissioners at the bottom.

🎀 📜 This October, the MWRD recognizes Breast Cancer Awareness Month and honors the strength, courage, and resilience of those impacted.

💗 Early detection saves lives. Schedule your screening today.

#ThinkPink #MWRD #BreastCancerAwareness
#BreastCancerAwarenessMonth

The Wilmette Pumping Station on February 9, 1928, looking northeast at channel side of the station and Sheridan Road bridge. Join our virtual tour on Wednesday, October 15, at 2 p.m. to learn how the MWRD cleans wastewater for Chicago and 128 suburban communities. Register here: https://mwrd.org/education/tours/virtual-tours

📷 The Wilmette Pumping Station on February 9, 1928, looking northeast at the channel side of the station and the Sheridan Road bridge.

🎉 Join our virtual tour on October 15 at 2 p.m. to learn how the #MWRD cleans #wastewater for Chicago and 128 suburbs. Register ⬇️
mwrd.org/education/to...

Workers are seen during tunnel excavation during construction for a section of the West Town outlet sewer on January 29, 1937. Join our virtual tour on Wednesday, October 15, at 2 p.m. to learn how the #MWRD cleans #wastewater for Chicago and 128 suburban communities. Register here: https://mwrd.org/education/tours/virtual-tours

📷 Tunnel excavation during construction for a section of the West Town outlet sewer on January 29, 1937.

🎉 Join our virtual tour on Wednesday, October 15, at 2 p.m. to learn how the #MWRD cleans #wastewater for Chicago and 128 suburban communities. Register ⬇️
mwrd.org/education/to...
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Construction site preparation on the west side of the South Branch of the Chicago River at Harrison Street on May 26, 1902, prior to the MWRD's construction of a new Harrison Street bridge. The MWRD (then known as the Metropolitan Sanitary District) replaced 12 bridges on the Chicago River and South Branch in the early 1900s in support of efforts to increase the capacity of the waterway and to improve navigation. Learn how the MWRD protects the environment on our YouTube channel: https://youtu.be/__yXMrBYek4

Historical Photo of the Day: Construction site preparation on the west side of the South Branch of the Chicago River at Harrison Street on May 26, 1902, prior to the MWRD's construction of a new Harrison Street bridge. Learn how the #MWRD protects the environment 📽⬇️
youtu.be/__yXMrBYek4
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🌿 The #WEFTEC25 Community Service Project brought 100+ volunteers to Aldridge Elementary, creating green infrastructure & outdoor learning spaces with support from the Water Environment Federation, #MWRD, Collective Learning Lab, Chicago DWM & many partners.

#CookCounty #Chicago

A playful brown and white baby goat leaps forward in a grassy field, with another goat visible in the background. In the top right corner, a white box with bold blue text reads: "Join our team!" At the bottom, a blue banner displays the text "mwrd.org/careers" along with social media icons.

📣 We are accepting applications for “Engineering Technician III” until October 17, 2025. Apply to join a leading organization committed to protecting the environment in #CookCounty ⬇️
jobapscloud.com/mwrd/

➡️ Learn more about #MWRD #careers: mwrd.org/what-we-do/m...

#jobs #employment #JoinOurTeam

Construction of grit chambers at the Stickney Water Reclamation Plant on December 29, 1927. The plant was originally called West Side and was placed in service in 1930 and the adjoining Southwest Plant was placed in service in 1939. The two MWRD facilities are now combined and named the Stickney Water Reclamation Plant. Join our virtual tour on Wednesday, October 15, at 2 p.m. to learn how the MWRD cleans wastewater for Chicago and 128 suburban communities. Register here: https://mwrd.org/education/tours/virtual-tours

📷 Construction of grit chambers at the Stickney Water Reclamation Plant on December 29, 1927.

🎉 Join our virtual tour on Wednesday, October 15, at 2 p.m. to learn how the #MWRD cleans #wastewater for Chicago and 128 suburban communities. Register ⬇️
mwrd.org/education/to...
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Members of the business community are invited to a luncheon discussion on the opportunities and challenges facing small and minority-owned businesses. MWRD Chairman of Finance Marcelino Garcia and Commissioner Eira Corral Sepúlveda will moderate a panel of community leaders who will share insights on navigating today’s business climate: Chicago Alderman Gilbert Villegas, IHCC President and CEO Jaime di Paulo, and Executive Director, Chicago UNIDOS in Construction Juan F. Calahorrano. MWRD Diversity Administrator Richard Martinez, Jr. will discuss the MWRD’s contracts process, strategies for business growth, and the vital role of assist agencies, advocacy groups, and peer networks in supporting entrepreneurs. Don't miss this opportunity to connect! Space is limited. RSVP: https://mwrd.org/events/latino-heritage-month-business-roundtable

🎉 Members of the business community are invited to a luncheon discussion on the opportunities and challenges facing small and minority-owned businesses.
Don't miss this opportunity to connect! Space is limited. RSVP: mwrd.org/events/latin...

Historical Photo of the Day: Construction of a section of the Cal-Sag sewer, looking west near the intersection of 114th Place and Calumet Avenue in Chicago on December 11, 1919. Learn how the #MWRD protects the environment: https://youtu.be/__yXMrBYek4

Historical Photo of the Day: Construction of a section of the Cal-Sag sewer, looking west near the intersection of 114th Place and Calumet Avenue in Chicago on December 11, 1919. Learn how the #MWRD protects the environment 📽⬇️
youtu.be/__yXMrBYek4
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📣 Review the latest invitations to bid on #MWRD contracts! Register as a vendor to provide goods and services to the MWRD and help protect our water environment ⬇️
mwrd.org/doing-busine...

A graphic with a blue swirls background symbolizing water, featuring portrait photos of the nine members of the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago's (MWRD) Board of Commissioners. The headline at the top in white text reads, "MWRD Board of Commissioners Meeting." Beneath each photo, the commissioners' names and titles are listed in three rows from left to right with the following text: “Kari K. Steele, President; Patricia Theresa Flynn, Vice President; Marcelino Garcia, Chairman of Finance; Precious Brady-Davis, Commissioner; Yumeka Brown, Commissioner; Cameron Davis, Commissioner; Beth McElroy Kirkwood, Commissioner; Eira L. Corral Sepúlveda, Commissioner; Sharon Waller, Commissioner.”

The #MWRD will hold its Board of Commissioners' meeting in person.

🗓️10:30am, Thursday, October 2, 2025

📍Main Office Building, 100 East Erie Street, #Chicago

Public comments may be made during the Public Comment period. Closed captioned.

Livestream: mwrd.legistar.com/calendar.aspx

MWRD.org/BOC

Historical Photo of the Day: Construction of a bridge at Loomis Street over the South Branch of the Chicago River on May 10, 1904. The Sanitary District (now MWRD) built the bridge between 1902 and 1904. Travel back in time and see how the #MWRD reversed the Chicago River and developed #wastewater treatment technology on our October 15 virtual tour. Register here: https://mwrd.org/education/tours/virtual-tours

📷 Construction of a bridge at Loomis Street over the South Branch of the Chicago River on May 10, 1904. Travel back in time and see how the #MWRD reversed the Chicago River and developed #wastewater treatment technology on our October 15 virtual tour ⬇️
mwrd.org/education/to...
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Photo, at left, of Illinois State Rep. Kimberly Neely duBuclet, District 5, holding the Water Environment Federation’s Public Officials Award presented to her at WEFTEC on Sept. 29, 2025 at McCormick Place, Chicago. At right is MWRD President Kari K. Steele celebrating the moment.

Congratulations to Illinois State Rep. Kimberly Neely duBuclet, District 5, on receiving the Water Environment Federation’s Public Officials Award at #WEFTEC25 on Sept. 29! The former #MWRD vice president was recognized on for her service and contributions.

#CookCounty #Chicago #Illinois

Construction of a new dock wall at the MWRD's electrical power terminal station property located on the Chicago Sanitary and Ship Canal, looking west from Western Avenue with the 8-track railroad bridge visible in the background on October 29, 1923. The MWRD reversed the Chicago River in 1900 by constructing the CSSC to take wastewater away from Lake Michigan to send downstream, thus protecting the source of the region’s drinking water. The water was discharged to the Des Plaines River, where it could be diluted as it flowed into the Illinois River and eventually the Mississippi River. The canal construction was considered one of the world’s largest public works excavations and was named one of the “Seven Wonders of American Engineering” by the American Society of Civil Engineers in 1955. Several of the engineers, including Chief Engineer Isham Randolph, went on from this experience to help build the Panama Canal. Learn more about the work of the MWRD on our YouTube channel: https://youtu.be/__yXMrBYek4

📷 Construction of a new dock wall at the MWRD's electrical power terminal station located on the Chicago Sanitary and Ship Canal, looking west from Western Avenue with the 8-track railroad bridge in the background on October 29, 1923. Learn more 📽⬇️
youtu.be/__yXMrBYek4

The #WEFTEC Career Fair is off and running! Attendees are stopping by to learn about career opportunities at the MWRD. 🌊

Learn more at MWRD.org/careers.

#WEFTEC25 #MWRD #CookCounty #Chicago #McCormickPlace

A view of remaining spoil from the demolition of the Union Loop Powerhouse just south of Van Buren on the South Branch of the Chicago River on May 26, 1920. The Sanitary District (now MWRD) acquired the Union Loop Power House from the Northwestern Elevated Railroad Company and was demolishing it in order to widen the river to a uniform width of 200 feet. Learn how the MWRD protects the environment on our YouTube channel: https://youtu.be/__yXMrBYek4

Historical Photo of the Day: A view of remaining spoil from the demolition of the Union Loop Powerhouse just south of Van Buren on the South Branch of the Chicago River on May 26, 1920. Learn how the #MWRD protects the environment 📽⬇️
youtu.be/__yXMrBYek4
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Wilmette Harbor viewed to the southwest on July 8, 1926. Learn how the MWRD protects Lake Michigan on our You Tube channel: https://youtu.be/__yXMrBYek4

Historical Photo of the Day: Wilmette Harbor viewed to the southwest on July 8, 1926. Learn how the #MWRD protects #LakeMichigan 📽⬇️
youtu.be/__yXMrBYek4
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A view to the east along Howard Street in Skokie, Illinois, with the O'Brien Water Reclamation Plant visible in the background on November 25, 1927. Request an in-person tour for your community or school group here: https://mwrd.org/education/tours

Historical Photo of the Day: A view to the east along Howard Street in Skokie, Illinois, with the O'Brien Water Reclamation Plant visible in the background on November 25, 1927. Request an in-person tour for your community or school group ⬇️
mwrd.org/education/to...
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Graphics with Polaroid-style photos framed against a blue water background. MWRD President Kari K. Steele and staff engage with students at Water Palooza at Ida B. Wells Prep, featuring hands-on activities about the value of water and the environment. Below the photo, text reads: “Water Palooza 9/26/2025; WEFTEC, Sept. 27–Oct. 1, 2025, Chicago, Illinois,” with the MWRD logo beneath the Polaroid-style photo.

Graphics with Polaroid-style photos framed against a blue water background. MWRD President Kari K. Steele and staff engage with students at Water Palooza at Ida B. Wells Prep, featuring hands-on activities about the value of water and the environment. Below the photo, text reads: “Water Palooza 9/26/2025; WEFTEC, Sept. 27–Oct. 1, 2025, Chicago, Illinois,” with the MWRD logo beneath the Polaroid-style photo.

Graphics with Polaroid-style photos framed against a blue water background. MWRD President Kari K. Steele and staff engage with students at Water Palooza at Ida B. Wells Prep, featuring hands-on activities about the value of water and the environment. Below the photo, text reads: “Water Palooza 9/26/2025; WEFTEC, Sept. 27–Oct. 1, 2025, Chicago, Illinois,” with the MWRD logo beneath the Polaroid-style photo.

The #MWRD helped host #WaterPalooza at Ida B. Wells Prep, engaging 250 students with hands-on activities about the value of water & the environment. 🌊 Part of the Water Environment Federation’s effort to inspire future water stewards!

📸 MWRD President Kari K. Steele and staff engaging with students

A graphic promoting WEFTEC 2025 features a Polaroid-style photo framed against a blue water background. Inside the photo, two dogs—Rex (left, tan coat with white chest) and Augie (right, black and tan coat)—sit side by side outside McCormick Place in Chicago. The modern glass-fronted convention center rises behind them under a partly cloudy sky. Below the photo, text reads: “WEFTEC, Sept. 27–Oct. 1, 2025, Chicago, Illinois,” with the MWRD logo beneath the Polaroid-style photo.

🐾 Rex & Augie join the #MWRD in our excitement for #WEFTEC25! 🌊 The world’s largest annual water quality conference comes to #Chicago Sept. 27–Oct. 1 at McCormick Place. Join water professionals worldwide for innovation, training & collaboration.

💧Learn more at MWRD.org/News and WEFTEC.org 🌎 🌍 🌏

A view to the northeast at the intersection of California and Lawrence Avenues in Chicago taken during surveys for sewer work on June 17, 1930. Streetcar rails are seen on a street with brick pavers. A gas station is seen in the background with a billboard advertising gasoline. Learn how the #MWRD protects the water environment for Chicago and 128 suburban communities: https://youtu.be/__yXMrBYek4

Historical Photo of the Day: A view to the northeast at the intersection of California and Lawrence Avenues in Chicago taken during surveys for sewer work on June 17, 1930. Learn how the #MWRD protects the water environment for Chicago and 128 suburban communities 📽⬇️
youtu.be/__yXMrBYek4
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Workers are seen rolling and seeding the grounds of the Des Plaines River Sewage Treatment Works on May 21, 1924. The facility was an early treatment plant built by the Sanitary District of Chicago (now MWRD) and located to the southeast of the intersection of Roosevelt Road and 1st Avenue in Forest Park, Illinois. Construction of the plant began over a year before the MWRD began construction of the Calumet Water Reclamation Plant, but it was only in operation until 1931, serving as a testing location for various treatment processes. Learn how the #MWRD protects the water environment for Chicago and 128 suburban communities: https://youtu.be/__yXMrBYek4

Historical Photo of the Day: Workers are seen rolling and seeding the grounds of the Des Plaines River Sewage Treatment Works on May 21, 1924. Learn how the #MWRD protects the water environment for Chicago and 128 suburban communities 📽⬇️
youtu.be/__yXMrBYek4
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The Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago is preparing its Strategic Plan for 2026 through 2030. This plan will guide our efforts over the next five years and reflect our mission, vision, strategic priorities, and core values. Your perspective will help shape the direction of this work. We invite you to complete a short survey to help us evaluate current conditions and identify key priorities for the future. Deadline is Sept. 26, 2025. A draft of the updated Strategic Plan, which will incorporate feedback from stakeholders, will be shared with you before adoption. Visit this link to take the survey: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/26ExtSvYy

📣 We are preparing our Strategic Plan for 2026 through 2030. This plan will guide our efforts and reflect our mission, vision, strategic priorities and core values.

✍️ Cook County residents and partners are invited to complete a short survey: www.surveymonkey.com/r/26ExtSvYy

📣 Review the latest invitations to bid on #MWRD contracts! Register as a vendor to provide goods and services to the MWRD and help protect our water environment ⬇️
mwrd.org/doing-busine...