Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago

Recovering Resources, Transforming Water

Strategic Plan

Protecting 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.

If TARP is full, neighborhood sewers are designed to overflow to waterways.

Learn more about the Tunnel and Reservoir Plan See a live view of McCook Reservoir

Stormwater Partnerships

Local governments and public agencies can apply for funding to build or design stormwater projects.

A crane lifting a large chemical storage tank into position at a water treatment facility with the Chicago skyline visible in the distant background

Procurement and Materials Management

The Procurement and Materials Management Department issues many contracts during the year to purchase a wide range of materials, services and equipment for the MWRD.

Overflow Action

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

What You Should Do During Flooding

During flooding you should find the source of the water, notify your municipality, and use FEMA’s guidance for documenting damage and safe clean up.

Tow engineers discussing project plants with detailed documents on the wall

Join our team!

We are accepting applications now for a wide range of job categories.

Find out more

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

An MWRD operations manager standing in front of an aeration tank

Join Our Team

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Where Does IT Go?

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Virtual Tour

Recent News Releases

U.S. Rep. Jesús “Chuy” García reflects on career at MWRD’s Latino Heritage Month event

October 13, 2026

As part of its Latino Heritage Month celebration, the MWRD honored U.S. Rep. Jesús G. “Chuy” García (IL-4th), who joined MWRD commissioners to reflect on his career in public service, the communities he represents and the importance of federal investment in water management. García, who will retire from Congress at the end of his current term, visited the MWRD’s Barbara J. McGowan Main Office Building in Chicago, where he received an award recognizing his service and discussed his accomplishments, interactions with influential political figures and legislative priorities for the future.

"Cleaner water on tap as Skokie’s O’Brien treatment plant breaks ground on $400 million upgrade," Chicago Tribune

October 12, 2026

Nearing 100 years of operation at its Terrence J. O’Brien Water Reclamation Plant in Skokie, the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago (MWRD) is investing in a new water treatment system, one officials say will ensure cleaner water and prepare for future regulatory requirements and another century of service for more than a million people across 143 square miles to whom the plant serves every day.

MWRD honored as Utility of the Future at international conference

October 12, 2026

The MWRD was once again recognized for its leadership in the water sector at the Water Environment Federation’s Technical Exhibition and Conference (WEFTEC), receiving the “Utility of the Future Today” award.

"Making a multi-million dollar investment in water clean up," WBBM News Radio 105.9-FM, 780-AM

October 10, 2026

The Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago held a groundbreaking ceremony for a new system at the O'Brien Water Reclamation Plant in Skokie. The MWRD is set to build what will be known as Battery E a nearly $400 million investment with new tanks and other infrastructure and equipment to remove phosphorus from wastewater through a biological process that helps protect downstream water quality and meets stringent water quality requirements.

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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.

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