More than 450 visitors took home a new understanding and appreciation for the work of the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago (MWRD) at an open house and tour of one of the largest facilities in the world at Stickney Water Reclamation Plant (WRP).

With capacity to treat up to 1.44 billion gallons of water in a single day, or 1 million gallons per minute, the MWRD’s Stickney WRP is one of the world’s largest operations of its kind, responsible for treating up to 2.2 million people’s wastewater each day, and transforming it into clean water to be returned to the environment in a matter of hours. The tour and interactive programming with scientists, engineers and MWRD partners allowed all ages to go behind the scenes and learn how the MWRD transforms wastewater into clean water to protect the region’s environment. 

“We were thrilled to welcome inquiring minds and fellow water stewards for an open house and tour of our Stickney Water Reclamation Plant,” said MWRD President Kari K. Steele. “By opening our doors to the public, we can better share our work and passion for safeguarding our water, our environment and our planet.”

Guests took home free oak tree saplings, milkweed and native wildflower seeds to support stormwater management and the lifecycle of the monarch butterfly and other pollinators. Guests also dropped off unwanted medicine as part of the MWRD’s collection campaign to keep pharmaceuticals out of area water resources.

In operation since 1930, Stickney WRP expanded again in 1939 to serve a larger population. Today, the facility serves residents in the central part of Chicago as well as 46 other communities within a 260-square-mile-area. On average, the WRP treats about 700 million gallons of wastewater in a day, while also recovering sustainable resources like biogas for energy, biosolids for soil amendments and nutrients used as fertilizer.

“Great job by MWRD staff getting the messaging out and showcasing the essential work we do," said MWRD Vice President Patricia Theresa Flynn. "It is trite, but knowledge is power, and we love to engage residents, neighbors and children of all ages to take ownership of our water environment. It makes public education easy when our staff is so passionate about their daily work."

This was the second of three open houses the MWRD was hosting this month. For the curious who want to see more, or may have missed the Stickney experience, the MWRD is hosting additional open houses and tours on May 30, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Calumet Water Reclamation Plant, 400 E. 130th St., Chicago, Ill.

Visitors are encouraged to wear closed-toe shoes and suitable attire for an industrial environment. For more information or to participate in longer tours, visit mwrd.org or call (312) 751-6633.

The MWRD opens its doors to neighbors, water advocates and curious minds at Stickney Water Reclamation Plant to engage all ages on the important work the MWRD plays to protect the water environment. Another open house is planned for May 30 at MWRD’s Calumet Water Reclamation Plant.