Frequently asked questions.

Created in 1889, the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago (MWRD) is an award-winning, special-purpose district responsible for treating wastewater and providing stormwater management for residents and businesses in its service area, which encompasses 882.1 square miles and includes Chicago and 128 suburban communities throughout Cook County.

The MWRD operates seven water reclamation plants, including the largest in the world, the Stickney Water Reclamation Plant. These plants treat wastewater before releasing it into local waterways.

The MWRD is primarily funded through property taxes levied on properties in Cook County. Other sources of revenue include grants, fees from industrial waste dischargers, and the sale of biosolids produced during water treatment.

The MWRD is responsible for managing regional stormwater to mitigate flooding throughout Cook County. This includes overseeing projects like the Tunnel and Reservoir Plan (TARP), also known as "Deep Tunnel," and developing green infrastructure initiatives such as rain gardens and permeable pavement.

The MWRD partners with governmental organizations on green infrastructure projects. Each year we hold a call for projects in which local government organizations pitch their ideas to address stormwater management through green infrastructure. We help pay for construction of green infrastructure and offer engineering expertise for selected projects.

TARP, or the Deep Tunnel project, is one of the MWRD's key flood control systems designed to protect homes and businesses from floodwaters and to reduce pollution in local waterways. It includes tunnels and reservoirs that capture stormwater and wastewater overflow.

Yes, the MWRD offers tours of its facilities, including water reclamation plants and stormwater management sites. Tours are available for schools, organizations, and the general public.

Request a facility tour or watch a virtual tour.

The MWRD released a highly ambitious climate action plan (CAP), which was adopted by the commissioners on May 4, 2023. This plan presents a roadmap that helps illustrate how the MWRD will take various steps to lower its carbon footprint over the first half of the 21st century.

Read the full Climate Action Plan or the summary brochure.

The public can get involved by attending board meetings, participating in public hearings, or applying for partnership programs like the Green Infrastructure Partnership. The MWRD also hosts community outreach events and educational programs.

The MWRD produces biosolids, a nutrient-rich byproduct of wastewater treatment, which are repurposed as a soil amendment for land restoration, agriculture, and landscaping. These biosolids help improve soil health and promote sustainable land use.