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Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago

Stormwater Management

The MWRD oversees a countywide effort to manage stormwater runoff, reduce flooding, improve the health of our waterways, and protect the source of our drinking water, Lake Michigan. To learn more about our work and how you can help reduce runoff, please explore the information below.

An excavator loads a truck with dirt for the Addison Creek Reservoir Project

Stormwater Management Projects

Completed and ongoing stormwater projects across Cook County.

Senior Civil Engineer Laventa Barlow presenting at the Lower Des Plaines River Watershed WPC meeting

Watershed Planning Councils

Collaborate with other local communities to address stormwater through a countywide effort.

Pervious Pavement Ribbon Cutting

Stormwater Partnerships

Local governments and public agencies can apply for funding to build or design stormwater projects.

A green alley with permeable pavers and flowering redbud

Green Infrastructure

Capturing stormwater where it falls through natural systems and permeable surfaces.

A machine in a waterway removing large tree branches from underneath a bridge

Stream Maintenance

We maintain more than 500 miles of waterways to clear obstructions and debris that slow water flow, create blockages, and worsen flooding.

Plants with a small waterway in the background

Watershed Management Ordinance and Infiltration/Inflow

The WMO regulates sewer construction within the MWRD’s service area and development within suburban Cook County. It provides uniform stormwater management regulation.

 

Additional Resources

Program mission and achievements
Overview of our goals and work across Cook County.

Stormwater plans and reports
Information on completed projects, regulatory reporting, and technical plans for Cook County watersheds.

Stormwater planning
Our ongoing planning and analysis to identify flooding and develop solutions.

Watersheds in Cook County
Learn more about MWRD's work in your area.

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A flooded street

What is runoff?

Stormwater runoff occurs when rain or melting snow flows off rooftops, streets, and parking lots. Instead of being naturally absorbed into the ground, much of the stormwater in Cook County flows into combined sewers.

During heavy rainstorms, these local sewers can become overwhelmed, causing back ups that lead to flooded homes and combined sewer overflows that carry pollution into our rivers.

A blue rain barrel being placed on a stand

How you can help

As we work to manage stormwater across the county, the MWRD can not do it alone. 

You can help reduce stormwater runoff and improve the quality of our waterways. Click on the links below to learn more.