Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago
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Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago
@mwrdgc.bsky.social
930 followers 160 following 830 posts
Protecting public health and the environment by treating wastewater and managing stormwater for Chicago & 128 suburban communities. Learn more at mwrd.org.

☎️ Report waterways issues by calling the MWRD Citizen’s Incident Reporting System at 800-332-3867.
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Happy Thanksgiving! The #MWRD is grateful for the opportunity to serve over 5 million people today & everyday!

A friendly reminder to avoid pouring Fats, Oils, or Grease down the drain this #Thanksgiving. Instead, let FOG cool, then scrape or wipe them safely into the trash.
A graphic with a dark blue background features illustrated autumn leaves, berries, and acorns in orange and blue tones. Large white text in the center reads “Happy Thanksgiving.” At the bottom, a gray section displays the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago seal on the left and a list of the Board of Commissioners on the right. The commissioners’ titles and names are shown in two columns.
November 27, 2025 at 2:02 PM
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Historical Photo of the Day: The intersection of Lawrence and Damen Avenues in Chicago during work on the Sanitary District's Lawrence Avenue conduit, viewed to the northwest on June 17, 1930. Join our next virtual tour on Tuesday, December 9, at 2 p.m. Register here: mwrd.org/education/to...
The intersection of Lawrence and Damen Avenues in Chicago during work on the Sanitary District's Lawrence Avenue conduit, viewed to the northwest on June 17, 1930. The MWRD treats wastewater from Chicago and 128 surrounding communities at our seven water reclamation plants. If you live within our service area, the water that goes down your toilet, sinks, and drains eventually comes to us to be cleaned. We treat wastewater from homes and businesses throughout our 882-square-mile service area. We also treat stormwater from some communities. We clean an average of 1.2 billion gallons of water daily, releasing clean water to rivers and streams. Learn more on our next virtual tour on Tuesday, December 9, at 2 p.m. Register here: https://mwrd.org/education/tours/virtual-tours
November 27, 2025 at 1:01 PM
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#MWRD’s 13th Annual #Sustainability Summit highlights collaboration & #stormwater innovation.

Congrats to the awardees!
Town of Cicero
Blue Island Public Library
The Village of Oak Park
Morton Freshman Center
Salt Creek Watershed Network

Learn more & watch the video:
mwrd.org/news/mwrds-1...
A large group of about twenty people stands together on a stage, smiling for a group photo at the MWRD’s 13th annual Sustainability Summit. Two people in front kneel while holding wooden award plaques, and another person sits holding an award. The rest of the group stands behind them in rows. The backdrop includes a green screen with icons related to sustainability. Below the photo, a caption states that two commissioners presented awards and honored expert speakers who discussed climate resilience and environmental protection at the MWRD’s 13th Annual Sustainability Summit. The headline reads: “MWRD’s 13th Annual Sustainability Summit highlights collaboration and stormwater innovation.” The accompanying text describes the summit, held on Nov. 13 in Cicero, Illinois, highlighting regional stormwater management, sustainability, and award recipients including local municipalities, schools, and environmental organizations.
November 26, 2025 at 2:16 PM
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📷 Workers repair a section of wall on the Chicago Sanitary and Ship Canal near 16th Street in Lockport, Illinois, on July 11, 1911. Learn more about the work of the #MWRD on our YouTube channel 📽⬇️
youtu.be/__yXMrBYek4
Workers repair a section of wall on the Chicago Sanitary and Ship Canal (CSSC) near 16th Street in Lockport, Illinois, on July 11, 1911. The MWRD reversed the Chicago River in 1900 by constructing the CSSC to take wastewater away from Lake Michigan to send downstream, thus protecting the source of the region’s drinking water. The water was discharged to the Des Plaines River, where it could be diluted as it flowed into the Illinois River and eventually the Mississippi River. The canal construction was considered one of the world’s largest public works excavations and was named one of the “Seven Wonders of American Engineering” by the American Society of Civil Engineers in 1955. Several of the engineers, including Chief Engineer Isham Randolph, went on from this experience to help build the Panama Canal. Learn more about the work of the #MWRD on our YouTube channel: https://youtu.be/__yXMrBYek4
November 26, 2025 at 1:02 PM
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Historical Photo of the Day: A view to the north near the intersection of Avenue N and 101st Street in Chicago showing a temporary sidewalk and work related to construction of the Calumet Intercepting Sewer on October 23, 1922. Learn more 📽⬇️
youtu.be/__yXMrBYek4
🏗💧💩🧪🧫🔬🌊🌞
A view to the north near the intersection of Avenue N and 101st Street in Chicago showing a temporary sidewalk and work related to construction of the Calumet Intercepting Sewer on October 23, 1922. Homes are seen along street and workers and horses are seen in the distance on the left side. Learn about the work of the MWRD on our YouTube channel: https://youtu.be/__yXMrBYek4
November 25, 2025 at 1:01 PM
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Sunrise brings behind-the-scenes reflections to a settling tank at the Stickney Water Reclamation Plant (WRP) on Nov. 24 at 6:35 a.m.

The Stickney WRP is one of the largest wastewater treatment facilities in the world.

Learn more:
mwrd.org/locations/st...

#MWRD #Cicero #CiceroIL
Sunrise brings behind-the-scenes reflections to a settling tank at the Stickney Water Reclamation Plant (WRP) on Nov. 24 at 6:35 a.m.
November 24, 2025 at 3:50 PM
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Historical Photo of the Day: Workers raising an electric pole at the corner of Colfax Street and Jackson Avenue in Evanston on March 2, 1909, during construction of the nearby North Shore Channel. Learn about the work of the #MWRD on our YouTube channel 📽⬇️
youtu.be/__yXMrBYek4
🏗💧💩🧪🧫🔬🌊🌞
Workers raising an electric pole at the corner of Colfax Street and Jackson Avenue in Evanston on March 2, 1909, during construction of the nearby North Shore Channel. Construction of the eight-mile-long channel began in 1907 and was complete in 1910. Learn about the work of the MWRD on our YouTube channel: https://youtu.be/__yXMrBYek4
November 24, 2025 at 1:02 PM
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Historical Photo of the Day: Construction of a bridge for the Chicago, Rock Island and Pacific Railroad over the under-construction Cal-Sag Channel on July 24, 1917. Learn about the work of the #MWRD on our YouTube channel 📽⬇️
youtu.be/__yXMrBYek4
🏗💧💩🧪🧫🔬🌊🌞
Construction of a bridge for the Chicago, Rock Island and Pacific Railroad over the under-construction Cal-Sag Channel on July 24, 1917. The 16-mile-long Cal-Sag Channel was built by the MWRD between 1911 and 1922. Learn about the work of the MWRD on our YouTube channel: https://youtu.be/__yXMrBYek4
November 23, 2025 at 1:00 PM
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📷 View from the roof of Lawrence Hall at 4833 N. Francisco Avenue in Chicago showing the MWRD's North Branch Pumping Station in June 1929.

📣 Join our next virtual tour on Tuesday, December 9, from 2-3:15 p.m. ⬇️
mwrd.org/education/to...
🏗💧💩🧪🧫🔬🌊🌞
A view from the roof of Lawrence Hall at 4833 N. Francisco Avenue in Chicago showing the MWRD's North Branch Pumping Station in June 1929. The station was completed in 1929 and went into service in 1930. It is still in operation and pumps wastewater and stormwater to the O’Brien Water Reclamation Plant to be cleaned. Join our next virtual tour on Tuesday, December 9, from 2-3:15 p.m. and learn how the MWRD protects public health and the environment by treating wastewater for Chicago and 128 suburban communities: https://mwrd.org/education/tours/virtual-tours
November 22, 2025 at 1:01 PM
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📚 As a proud Space to Grow school, Nash Elementary is transforming outdoor learning and wellness and today, curious 3rd & 4th graders brought that same energy indoors as we explored career paths at the #MWRD and the many ways STEAM shapes our work.

📓 mwrd.org/stormwater/s...
A tall, historic red-brick school building with large windows and decorative architectural details stands against a cloudy sky. Several window air-conditioning units are visible. In front of the building, a black metal fence displays bold black-and-white signage spelling out “NASH ELEMENTARY,” with an illustrated wildcat logo at the end. The sidewalk and bare tree branches indicate a cool-weather season.
November 21, 2025 at 9:39 PM
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🚀 We had an inspired day at Columbia Explorers Academy in #BrightonPark, named in honor of the #NASA Space Shuttle Columbia crew. MWRD staff met with 400 curious 3rd–8th graders to talk #STEM & careers at the #MWRD on Nov. 20.

➡️ mwrd.org/education/community-engagement

@chipubschools.bsky.social
A streetscape view of a school building with light-brown brick walls and a “Columbia Explorers Academy” sign and emblem visible on the right. Along the sidewalk, a row of tall black street poles displays banners featuring gold letters and the school’s logo. Leafless trees line the building, along with shrubs in planters along the sidewalk. Cars are visible in the distance under an overcast sky.
November 21, 2025 at 4:53 PM
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The Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago (MWRD) Board of Commissioners announced the appointment of John P. Murray as its new executive director on Nov 20. Murray brings more than two decades of experience in the water industry & a distinguished career of service at the MWRD.
November 21, 2025 at 1:51 PM
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📷 Two guests check out the completed gate structures for the Lockport Controlling Works during construction of the Chicago Sanitary and Ship Canal in 1899.

📣 Join our next virtual tour on Tuesday, December 9, and learn how the #MWRD protects the environment ⬇️
mwrd.org/education/to...
Two guests check out the completed gate structures for the Lockport Controlling Works during construction of the Chicago Sanitary and Ship Canal in 1899. Join our next virtual tour on Tuesday, December 9, from 2-3:15 p.m. and learn how the MWRD protects public health and the environment by treating wastewater for Chicago and 128 suburban communities. Register here: https://mwrd.org/education/tours/virtual-tours
November 21, 2025 at 1:02 PM
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Congratulations to the Leo Catholic High School Lions choir for showing the world their incredible talent on America’s Got Talent, where they finished fourth under the leadership of Director LaDonna Hill. 🎶

MWRD.org/BOC
A formal Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago resolution document congratulating the Leo High School Choir for its performance on the TV show America’s Got Talent. The page features the MWRD skyline header in blue, the word “Resolution,” and gold highlighted headings. The text describes Leo High School, details about the choir’s appearance on the show, acknowledgment of Choir Director LaDonna Hill’s retirement, and a list of student choir members. The resolution is dated November 20, 2025, and signed by the MWRD Board of Commissioners, whose names are listed at the bottom.
November 20, 2025 at 10:34 PM
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Historical Photo of the Day: A view to the northeast from Kedzie Avenue showing the nearly complete Chicago Sanitary and Ship Canal and the Chicago, Madison and Northern Railroad bridge on December 30, 1899. Learn about the work of the #MWRD on our YouTube channel 📽⬇️
youtu.be/__yXMrBYek4
🏗💧💩🧪🧫🔬🌊🌞
A view to the northeast from Kedzie Avenue showing the nearly complete Chicago Sanitary and Ship Canal and the Chicago, Madison and Northern Railroad bridge on December 30, 1899. Learn about the work of the MWRD on our YouTube channel: https://youtu.be/__yXMrBYek4
November 20, 2025 at 1:00 PM
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📣 Join us for the MWRD Monitoring & Research Seminar on Friday, November 21 at 10:30 a.m.! 🌊

In-person attendance: mwrd.org/events/monit...

💻 Virtual attendance: On 11/21, visit: mwrd.org/education/mo....
A promotional graphic for the “Monitoring & Research Seminar” hosted by the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago. The title reads, “Advancing Wastewater Phytoremediation with Duckweed (Lemna minor) and Native Prairie Plants Floating Wetlands.” Photos of two presenters appear on the left: one is a man with a beard standing outdoors, and the other is a man wearing a hard hat. The flyer lists their names and titles along with event details: Nov. 21 from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. at 6001 W. Pershing, Cicero, with an option to join in person or virtually. A background image on the right shows a wastewater treatment facility under a cloudy sky. Contact information and a note about required reservations and plant entry appear at the bottom.
November 19, 2025 at 6:01 PM
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On November 6, the MWRD Board of Commissioners issued a resolution in honor of #NationalNativeAmericanHeritageMonth.

📜 Whereas, the #MWRD recognizes the tremendous contributions & sacrifices of people of #NativeAmerican heritage…
November 19, 2025 at 3:47 PM
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Historical Photo of the Day: A view to the north showing the Chicago Terminal Transfer railroad bridge over the South Branch of the Chicago River between Harrison and Roosevelt. The exact date is unknown. Learn about the work of the #MWRD on our YouTube channel 📽⬇️
youtu.be/__yXMrBYek4
🏗💧💩🧪🧫🔬🌊🌞
A view to the north showing the Chicago Terminal Transfer railroad bridge over the South Branch of the Chicago River between Harrison and Roosevelt. The exact date is unknown. Learn about the work of the #MWRD on our YouTube channel: https://youtu.be/__yXMrBYek4
November 19, 2025 at 1:01 PM
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The #MWRD will hold its Board of Commissioners' meeting in person.

🗓️10:30am, Thursday, November 20, 2025

📍Main Office Building, 100 East Erie Street, #Chicago

Public comments may be made during the Public Comment period. Closed captioned.

Livestream: buff.ly/Lmjln4y

Learn more: buff.ly/iCO9rfF
A graphic with a blue swirls background symbolizing water, featuring portrait photos of the nine members of the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago's (MWRD) Board of Commissioners. The headline at the top in white text reads, "MWRD Board of Commissioners Meeting." Beneath each photo, the commissioners' names and titles are listed in three rows from left to right with the following text: “Kari K. Steele, President; Patricia Theresa Flynn, Vice President; Marcelino Garcia, Chairman of Finance; Precious Brady-Davis, Commissioner; Yumeka Brown, Commissioner; Cameron Davis, Commissioner; Beth McElroy Kirkwood, Commissioner; Eira L. Corral Sepúlveda, Commissioner; Sharon Waller, Commissioner.
November 18, 2025 at 6:35 PM
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📷 Cal-Sag Sewer construction in Chicago on Indiana Avenue, just south of 120th Place, looking south on August 17, 1917.

📣 Join us at 2 p.m. today, November 18, to learn about the work of the #MWRD. Register ⬇️
mwrd.org/education/to...
🏗💧💩🧪🧫🔬🌊🌞
Cal-Sag Sewer construction in Chicago on Indiana Avenue, just south of 120th Place, looking south on August 17, 1917. Join us at 2 p.m. today, November 18, to learn about the work of the #MWRD. Register: https://mwrd.org/education/tours/virtual-tours
November 18, 2025 at 1:01 PM
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The sun rises over the Calumet River near the MWRD's Sidestream Elevated Pool Aeration (SEPA) station no. 1 with the Torrence Avenue bridge in the background. Join our virtual tour tomorrow at 2 p.m. Register here: mwrd.org/education/to...
The sun rises over the Calumet River near the MWRD's Sidestream Elevated Pool Aeration (SEPA) station no. 1 with the Torrence Avenue bridge in the background.
November 17, 2025 at 6:30 PM
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📷 Construction of the O’Brien Water Reclamation Plant on September 17, 1924.

📣 Join our virtual tour tomorrow, Tuesday, November 18, from 2-3:15 p.m. to learn how the #MWRD protects public health and the environment ⬇️
mwrd.org/education/to...
🏗💧💩🧪🧫🔬🌊🌞
Construction of the O’Brien Water Reclamation Plant (WRP) on September 17, 1924. Originally named North Side, the treatment plant has been in operation since 1928, treating wastewater from communities north of downtown Chicago. The O’Brien WRP currently serves over 1.3 million people in an area of 143 square miles and cleans an average of 230 million gallons of wastewater per day (mgd) with the capacity to treat 450 mgd. Join our virtual tour tomorrow, Tuesday, November 18, from 2-3:15 p.m. to learn how the #MWRD protects public health and the environment. Register here: https://mwrd.org/education/tours/virtual-tours
November 17, 2025 at 1:01 PM
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📷 A northeasterly view of the State Street bridge over the Chicago River on March 1, 1903.

📣 Join our virtual tour on Tuesday, November 18, from 2-3:15 p.m. to learn how the #MWRD protects public health and the environment ⬇️
mwrd.org/education/to...
🏗💧💩🧪🧫🔬🌊🌞
A northeasterly view of the State Street bridge over the Chicago River on March 1, 1903. Join our virtual tour on Tuesday, November 18, from 2-3:15 p.m. to learn how the #MWRD protects public health and the environment. Register here: https://mwrd.org/education/tours/virtual-tours
November 16, 2025 at 1:01 PM
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📷 Workers mixing concrete to be used to cast blocks for the Lockport Powerhouse walls on October 25, 1905.

📣 Join our virtual tour on Tuesday, November 18, from 2-3:15 p.m. to learn about the work of the #MWRD ⬇️
mwrd.org/education/to...
🏗💧💩🧪🧫🔬🌊🌞
Workers mixing concrete to be used to cast blocks for the Lockport Powerhouse walls on October 25, 1905. Join our virtual tour on Tuesday, November 18, from 2-3:15 p.m. to learn about the work of the #MWRD. Register here: https://mwrd.org/education/tours/virtual-tours
November 15, 2025 at 1:01 PM
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❄️ It’s Winter Weather Preparedness Week! Now’s the time to get your rain barrel ready:
1️⃣ Disconnect and clean
2️⃣ Store and protect
3️⃣ Plan for spring
Learn more: mwrd.org/RainBarrels

#MWRD #CookCounty #Chicago
Graphic showing a red rain barrel sitting on snow and grass with text that reads: “Prepare your rain barrel for winter.” Three steps appear on the barrel: “1. Disconnect and clean, 2. Store and protect, 3. Plan for spring.” The background features falling snow and the MWRD website link “mwrd.org/RainBarrels” at the bottom.
November 14, 2025 at 8:00 PM