Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago
Recovering Resources, Transforming Water
Strategic PlanProtecting Our Water Environment
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.
Tunnel and Reservoir Plan (TARP) Levels
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The Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago's Tunnel and Reservoir Plan (TARP) is designed to reduce flooding, improve water quality in Chicago area waterways and protect Lake Michigan from pollution caused by sewer overflows.
Street flooding and basement backups can still occur even when there is plenty of room in TARP. If small neighborhood sewers don’t have the capacity to carry water to the MWRD’s intercepting sewers or TARP tunnels, they may back up.
Stormwater Partnerships
Procurement and Materials Management
Overflow Action
What You Should Do During Flooding
You can help prevent flooding and protect water quality!
Native Landscaping
Native landscaping can help reduce flooding, protect water quality and provide habitat for wildlife.
Rain Barrels
We have rain barrels for sale for a low price, delivery included. Rain barrels capture rainwater from your roof and save it for later use.
Green Infrastructure
Capturing stormwater where it falls through natural systems and permeable surfaces.
Medication Disposal
When not disposed of properly, pharmaceuticals can end up in waterways. You can help keep pharmaceuticals from entering our waterways by disposing of unwanted medicine properly at the locations listed on this page.
Videos
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Blue Island Public Library Green Roof
Where Does IT Go?
Virtual Tour
Recent News Releases
MWRD Board of Commissioners to meet Thursday, August 13 at 10:30 a.m.
"Chicago's flood control capacity is nearing capacity with wet weather looming," WBBM Radio, 780-AM, 105.9-FM
"Another round of storms in the forecast means public works crews are on high alert," WBBM Radio, 780-AM, 105.9-FM
"Chicago-area residents asked to delay showers, use less water ahead of more storms," NBC 5
Projects
LeMoyne Street and Maypole Avenue Underground Storage Projects | MWRD
The MWRD and Chicago Department of Water Management are partnering on two projects on the West Side of Chicago to build underground storage tanks that can contain a combined 1.7 million gallons of stormwater to mitigate local flooding.
Harvey Central Park Stormwater Detention Basin | MWRD
The MWRD's Harvey Central Park Stormwater Detention Basin project will provide flood relief for the city of Harvey. This project will reduce flooding to approximately 209 homes during a 100-year storm event.
Addison Creek Reservoir and Channel Improvements | MWRD
The 600-acre-foot Addison Creek Reservoir will hold 195 million gallons of storage capacity and connect with the Addison Creek Channel to protect the communities from overbank flooding.
Robbins Heritage Park and Midlothian Creek Restoration Project | MWRD
The MWRD’s Robbins Heritage Park and Midlothian Creek Restoration Project will help address overbank flooding through a new stormwater park and pond, along with improvements to Midlothian Creek and an overflow channel that connects to the Cal-Sag Channel.
Calendar of Events
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