Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago

The Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago (MWRD) is a special-purpose government agency established in 1889 that provides essential wastewater treatment and stormwater management services for Cook County, Illinois. The agency operates seven water reclamation plants that process an average of 1.3 billion gallons of water daily, serving the City of Chicago and 128 surrounding communities. Its infrastructure includes an extensive system of intercepting sewers and the Tunnel and Reservoir Plan (TARP), a massive network of deep tunnels and reservoirs designed to capture combined sewer overflows and mitigate flooding. By utilizing state-of-the-art treatment technology, the MWRD ensures that cleaned water meets strict environmental standards before being released into regional waterways, thereby protecting the quality of Lake Michigan and the area's rivers.

This work is critical for public health, environmental sustainability, and regional flood control. By managing wastewater and stormwater, the MWRD protects the source of the region’s drinking water and improves the ecological health of local streams. The agency collaborates with local governments on green infrastructure projects and provides large-scale flood mitigation services that protect businesses, homes, and public infrastructure. Governed by an elected nine-member Board of Commissioners, the MWRD operates as an independent agency, distinct from municipal water departments, and is dedicated to environmental justice, transparency in public spending, and long-term stewardship of water as a vital regional resource.