The MWRD provides tours at our water reclamation plants (WRPs), attends community events and gives presentations in our service area of Cook County. We are enthusiastic to get the word out about our work and to provide residents with information and resources they can use to help reduce flooding and improve water quality. Our three community engagement opportunities are Educational Speakers, Community Events and Tours of our facilities.

 
Educational Speakers 

The MWRD provides in-person and virtual presentations about our work and areas of responsibility for all ages. Our presentations include subjects such as:

• Overview of the MWRD
• Careers in water
• History of water in the Chicago region, including reversing the river
• How sewers work
• The Tunnel and Reservoir Plan, also known as the Deep Tunnel
• How wastewater treatment works
• Recovering resources from wastewater
• Stormwater management flood control 
• Green infrastructure
• What you can do to protect water quality and reduce flooding

Contact us to request a community education speaker for your group or class. 

Please submit requests at least three weeks in advance. 

Community Events

The MWRD attends community and special events throughout our service area, including back-to-school and environmental fairs, farmers markets, municipality events, career days and STEM-related events. We bring an informative table with resources for all ages to learn about our work, areas of responsibility, and how to help improve water quality in our area. Request an MWRD community event representative for your event.

 
Tour our facilities

The MWRD offers in-person and virtual tours. Walking tours are scheduled by appointment only at our seven water reclamation plants (WRPs). Watch a one-hour recorded tour or register for a live virtual tour.