Lockport Powerhouse

Located in Lockport, Ill., the MWRD built the Lockport Powerhouse in 1907 which marks the southern point of the MWRD-managed Chicago Area Waterway System (CAWS). The Powerhouse is located where the Chicago Sanitary and Ship Canal connects with the Des Plaines River. The facility is an integral part of the MWRD's work to manage the CAWS to reduce the risk of flooding throughout the MWRD service area. The Powerhouse allows the MWRD to control the levels of the waterways and provides financial benefits from hydroelectric power generation. The water flowing through the facility is harnessed by two turbines to provide a safe and environmentally friendly hydroelectric energy source that is sold back to Commonwealth Edison. The MWRD earns approximately 1 million dollars per year from generating hydroelectricity at Lockport Powerhouse.

A large waterway lock structure and hydro electric powerhouse at the intersection of the Chicago Sanitary and Ship Canal and the Des Plaines River

Hydroelectric Power Generation at Lockport Powerhouse

2022	21,929,152 kWh	$836,182.59
2021	32,499,834 kWh	$779,450.48
2020	37,608,633 kWh	$868,630.58
2019	41,131,268 kWh	$1,093,794.89
2018	42,004,233 kWh	$1,135,079.84
2017	37,583,707 kWh	$1,041,780.24
2016	35,595,896 kWh	$990,097.68
2015	41,595,703 kWh	$1,299,793.17

A view of the inside of a hydroelectric powerhouse with a person standing next to large mechanical equipment — Interior views of Lockport Powerhouse in 1907 and in 2020.

An interior view showing large mechanical equipment in a hydro-electric powerhouse — Interior views of Lockport Powerhouse in 1907 and in 2020.

A person walking in the Des Plaines Inflow Tunnel

Tunnel and Reservoir Plan (TARP)

The Tunnel and Reservoir Plan is a system of deep, large diameter tunnels and vast reservoir designed to reduce flooding, improve water quality in Chicago area waterways and protect Lake Michigan from pollution caused by sewer overflows.

Three workers and drilling equipment during excavation of a major canal in the 1890s

A History of Protecting Our Water Environment

The Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago (MWRD) has been improving the environment and protecting public health since it was formed as the Sanitary District of Chicago in 1889. While our operations have expanded and mission evolved, many of our goals remain the same.

You Can Help Prevent Flooding and Protect Water Quality

The MWRD works every day to reduce flooding and protect water quality in our service area and you can help too!

Tow engineers discussing project plants with detailed documents on the wall

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