News
By the numbers in 2025: MWRD wraps up another successful year protecting water environment across Cook County
December 29, 2025
Each day, the MWRD treats the region’s wastewater and transforms it into clean water in a matter of hours to be returned to the environment.
President's Annual Message - 2025
December 23, 2025
Overview of MWRD achievements in stormwater management, wastewater treatment, climate change accountability, and fiscal responsibility.
MWRD budget affords reliable, essential, innovative wastewater treatment, stormwater management services in 2026
December 19, 2025
These important funds help the MWRD adapt to its evolving role in meeting the challenges of climate change, unpredictable stormwater flows and emerging contaminants and pollutants that threaten the environment.
MWRD Board of Commissioners to meet Thursday, December 18 at 10:30 A.M.
December 16, 2025
Board meetings are open to the public and can be streamed online.
MWRD scientists net their biggest smallmouth bass ever on the Cal-Sag Channel
December 15, 2025
The collection of larger game fish is generally a positive indicator for local water quality and ecosystem health. Many game fish species are sensitive to pollutants, temperature changes, and low dissolved oxygen levels.
“When it comes to the use of salt as a de-icer, less is more,” WTTW
December 10, 2025
MWRD’s message is “go easy on the salt,” citing the negative impact excessive salting, which eventually makes its way into sewers, not only has on waterways and aquatic life but trees, plants and animal paws.