Watersheds | MWRD

A watershed is an area of land that drains into a common body of water, such as a stream, river, lake, or ocean. Rain and snow that falls within a watershed will eventually flow into that common body of water. During a heavy rainstorm or rapid snow melt, water enters the watershed too quickly for the land to absorb and manage, causing stormwater runoff. This runoff can carry pollution to these bodies of water and can also contribute to flooding.

Watershed planning areas

The MWRD established six watershed planning areas as part of our stormwater management program. They are Cal-Sag Channel, Little Calumet River, Lower Des Plaines River, North Branch of the Chicago River, Poplar Creek, and Upper Salt Creek, all named after the bodies of water to which the area’s water drains.

Cal-Sag Channel Watershed

Located in southwest Cook County, the Cal-Sag channel connects the Little Calumet River with the Chicago Sanitary Shipping Canal.

Little Calumet River Watershed

Located in southern Cook County, waters from the Little Calumet River flow west into the Cal-Sag Channel.

Lower Des Plaines River Watershed

The Des Plaines River runs south from northern Cook County, running alongside the Chicago Sanitary and Shipping Canal in the south

North Branch of the Chicago River Watershed

Found in northeast Cook County, waters from the Skokie River, Middle Fork, West Fork, and the North Shore Channel merge into the North Branch of the Chicago River.

Poplar Creek Watershed

Located in northwest Cook County, this planning area includes portions of Poplar, Flint, Spring, and Brewster Creek as well as the West Branch DuPage River watersheds.

Upper Salt Creek Watershed

Located in northern Cook County, waters from the Arlington Heights branch and West Branch merge into Salt Creek near Busse Woods.

WPC meetings

Watershed Planning Council (WPC) meetings are held quarterly for each watershed and provide an opportunity to learn about and discuss:

MWRD projects in your watershed,
updates to the Watershed Management Ordinance,
channel maintenance by the Small Streams Maintenance Program, and
local stormwater issues and other updates from other government agencies.

Click on the links below to learn more and to attend the next to attend the next WPC meeting in your watershed.

Attend a WPC meeting Learn about Watershed Planning Councils