The Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago (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.

At the 2026 WEFTEC conference in New Orleans, the MWRD was honored as a Utility of the Future Today, an award presented to agencies that demonstrate forward-thinking and innovative approaches, leadership in sustainability and resilience, and innovative resource recovery practices. The MWRD was one of only 33 utilities in the world earning this achievement at this year’s conference. The MWRD was recognized for its sustainable efforts in biosolids processing, recovering organic material from the water reclamation process and converting it into future soil amendments.

The MWRD previously received Utility of the Future Today recognition for its work, including honors in 2016, meeting a variety of criteria before being honored again in 2020 for watershed management, 2023 for partnership and engagement, and 2026 again for beneficial biosolids use.

In addition, MWRD President Kari K. Steele received the WEF Public Officials Award, which recognizes elected or appointed public officials who have made significant contributions to clean water policy, public service or the water environment.

“The annual WEFTEC is always an incredible opportunity to learn, share ideas and celebrate the work going on behind the scenes to protect our water environment around the world,” President Steele said. “I am especially proud that the MWRD was recognized as a Utility of the Future Today and honored to receive the Public Officials Award. These recognitions reflect the dedication of our workforce and our commitment to protecting our water resources and building a more sustainable and resilient future.”

The MWRD’s Second City Sewer Crew also earned a third-place finish in the Collections event of the WEFTEC Operations Challenge. The team competed alongside water and wastewater professionals from across the world and demonstrated its technical expertise and teamwork throughout the competition.

The Operations Challenge tests the skills of water and wastewater professionals in a variety of events, including laboratory, process control, collections, safety and maintenance. The Second City Sewer Crew’s performance highlighted the knowledge, experience and dedication of MWRD employees who operate and maintain the infrastructure that protects public health and the region’s water environment. 

MWRD Public and Intergovernmental Affairs Officer Allison Fore was also recognized for her service on the WEF Public Communications and Outreach Community. Fore’s service reflects the MWRD’s longstanding commitment to professional leadership, public communication and collaboration within the water sector.  

“WEFTEC brought out the best in our staff engineers and scientists working together with other water experts to address the many challenges that our planet faces,” MWRD Vice President Patricia Theresa Flynn said. “Thank you to WEF for providing us the platform to exchange knowledge and collaborate.”

WEFTEC is North America’s largest annual water quality exhibition and provides water professionals from the public and private sectors, as well as students preparing for careers in the industry, with opportunities for education, training, networking and knowledge exchange. MWRD staff and commissioners participated throughout the conference, sharing their expertise and learning from water professionals from around the world.