A formal resolution document from the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago recognizing April as National Arab American Heritage Month. The design features a light background with a blue border and a faint Chicago skyline at the top. The headline reads “Resolution” followed by “National Arab American Heritage Month” in large gold text. Several “Whereas” paragraphs describe the history, contributions, and cultural significance of Arab Americans, including references to immigration history, diverse heritage, and the Arab American community in southwest Cook County. The district’s seal appears near the center. The resolution concludes with “Now, therefore, be it resolved,” formally recognizing the month and honoring Arab American contributions. At the bottom, it is dated April 2, 2026, and lists the Board of Commissioners: Kari K. Steele (President), Patricia Theresa Flynn (Vice President), Marcelino Garcia (Chairman of Finance), Precious Brady-Davis, Yumeka Brown, Cameron Davis, Beth McElroy Kirkwood, Eira L. Corral Sepúlveda, and Sharon Waller.

📜 On April 2, the MWRD Board of Commissioners issued a memorial resolution in honor of National Arab American Heritage Month.

MWRD Board of Commissioners: MWRD.org/BOC

#MWRD #CookCounty #Chicago #NAAHM

A microscopic image showing a single shelled dinamoeba, a type of microorganism, in the center. The dinamoeba appears as a small, round cell with a translucent shell and several thin, spiky extensions protruding from one side. The background is a soft, greenish blur with other indistinct organic shapes, highlighting the dinamoeba as the main subject.

📷 A shelled dinamoeba is a feature of normal wastewater treatment microflora. They help clean water by consuming organic matter. Learn about the work of the #MWRD on our YouTube channel ⬇️
https://youtu.be/__yXMrBYek4
🏗💧💩🧪🧫🔬🌊🌞

A circular yellow graphic announces “Act! It’s an Overflow Action Day.” Inside the circle are the logos and names of the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago and Friends of the Chicago River. Below the circle, the word “Update” appears in large blue letters on a white background.

Update: All Clear.

The #MWRD's Tunnel and Reservoir Plan (TARP) continued to operate as designed, capturing rain fall & sewage to keep it out of local waterways & local communities serviced by combined sewer systems.

Sign up for text alerts:
https://ow.ly/wNTh50YCPM3

Learn more: MWRD.org/OAD

Graphic featuring MWRD Commissioner Yumeka Brown with a headline reading that her Youth Environmental Summit continues to educate and inspire future water leaders at an event held at Wendell Smith Elementary School. The text explains that the second annual summit was held March 21 in Chicago, engaging students in hands-on learning about water and environmental sciences and introducing careers in STEM. It notes participation from local students and Girl Scouts, and mentions remarks from MWRD leadership and staff about environmental stewardship. A portrait of Commissioner Brown appears on the right, smiling and wearing a tan blazer, against a light background with a faint MWRD seal. The bottom reads: “Learn more at MWRD.org/News.”

Building on the success of last year’s inaugural program, MWRD Commissioner Yumeka Brown hosted the second annual Youth Environmental Summit (YES) on March 21 at Wendell Smith Elementary School in Chicago.

mwrd.org/news/mwrd-co...

#MWRD #Chicago #STEM

Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago 10 a.m. Storm Update for April 2, 2026: MWRD continues to manage flow after 0.4 inches of rain in Cook County. Residents are encouraged to conserve water. TARP reservoirs are holding nearly 1.4 billion gallons. McCook Reservoir is 38% full (1.3 billion gallons); Thornton Composite Reservoir is 1% full (0.1 billion gallons). MWRD lowers waterway levels before storms to add capacity. Learn more at mwrd.org/news.

10 a.m. Storm #Update: #MWRD continues to manage flow

As much as 0.4 inches of rain has fallen so far in parts of #CookCounty for the storm that began around 12 a.m. this morning. As of 6:45 a.m., the TARP reservoirs are holding nearly 1.4 billion gallons of water.

https://ow.ly/VO1f50YCnsh

Check out the April 2026 edition of #FLOW for the latest news and event information from the #MWRD.

FLOW: For the Love of Water
mwrd.org/news/mwrd-fl...

Sign up to keep up to date with the latest news and resources related to the MWRD. mwrd.org/form/join-our-email-list

#Chicago #water

Graphic with a blue and green earth illustration and leafy accents. Large white text in the center reads “Happy Earth Month.” Below, the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago seal appears, followed by a list of Board of Commissioners: Kari K. Steele (President), Patricia Theresa Flynn (Vice President), Marcelino Garcia (Chairman of Finance), Precious Brady-Davis, Yumeka Brown, Cameron Davis, Beth McElroy Kirkwood, Eira L. Corral Sepúlveda, and Sharon Waller.

Celebrating #EarthMonth with purpose! This April, we’re reaffirming our commitment to protecting water quality, managing stormwater responsibly, and investing in green infrastructure that benefits communities across #CookCounty.

Learn more: https://ow.ly/ihta50YBftk

#MWRD #OurPowerOurPlanet 🌎🌍🌏

Graphic for National Arab American Heritage Month featuring a blue geometric patterned background and a centered framed light blue panel with the black text “National Arab American Heritage Month” and “Many Voices, One Community.” At the bottom, the seal of the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago (MWRD) alongside a list of Board of Commissioners: Kari K. Steele (President), Patricia Theresa Flynn (Vice President), Marcelino Garcia (Chairman of Finance), Precious Brady-Davis, Yumeka Brown, Cameron Davis, Beth McElroy Kirkwood, Eira L. Corral Sepúlveda, and Sharon Waller.alongside a list of Board of Commissioners: Kari K. Steele (President), Patricia Theresa Flynn (Vice President), Marcelino Garcia (Chairman of Finance), Precious Brady-Davis, Yumeka Brown, Cameron Davis, Beth McElroy Kirkwood, Eira L. Corral Sepúlveda, and Sharon Waller.

This April, the MWRD celebrates National Arab American Heritage Month! We honor the history, culture, and contributions of Arab Americans in building stronger communities across our region.

MWRD.org

#NAAHM #ArabAmericanHeritage #MWRD #CookCounty #Chicago

MWRD Board of Commissioners meeting graphic. Commissioners: Kari K. Steele (President), Patricia Theresa Flynn (Vice President), Marcelino Garcia (Chairman of Finance), Precious Brady-Davis, Yumeka Brown, Cameron Davis, Beth McElroy Kirkwood, Eira L. Corral Sepulveda, Sharon Waller. The background features dark and light blue abstract shapes.

The #MWRD will hold its Board of Commissioners meeting in person.

Thur. April 2, 2026 at 10:30 a.m.
100 East Erie Street, #Chicago

Live stream: https://ow.ly/6q1Y50Yoy6N

mwrd.org/news/mwrd-board-commissioners-meet-thursday-april-2-1030-am

MWRD Board of Commissioners: https://ow.ly/hWkz50Yoy6L

Black and white photo showing the construction of the Calumet Sewage Pumping Station on January 5, 1921. The steel framework of the building is partially completed, with brick walls being built at the base. Construction workers and equipment are visible around the site, along with piles of dirt and wooden planks in the foreground. The scene captures early 20th-century construction methods and materials.

📷 Construction of the Calumet Sewage Pumping Station, later renamed 125th Street Pumping Station, located at 125th and Indiana, on January 5, 1921.

📽 Learn about the work of the #MWRD on our YouTube channel ⬇️
https://youtu.be/__yXMrBYek4
🏗💧💩🧪🧫🔬🌊🌞

Construction of the first masonry retaining wall for the Chicago Sanitary and Ship Canal near Lemont, Illinois, on September 18, 1894. The image features a large stone wall under construction, surrounded by piles of rocks, construction equipment, and workers. Several cranes and machinery are visible on top of the wall, with grassy terrain and a partially excavated hillside in the background. Handwritten text at the bottom reads: "233-5 9-18-94 1st Retaining Wall built on Canal."

📷 The first masonry retaining wall built for the Chicago Sanitary and Ship Canal in an area near Lemont, Illinois, on September 18, 1894.

📽 Learn about the work of the #MWRD on our YouTube channel ⬇️
https://youtu.be/__yXMrBYek4
🏗💧💩🧪🧫🔬🌊🌞

A boat passes under a large arc of water sprayed from the Nicholas J. Melas Centennial Fountain along the north bank of the Chicago River with city skyscrapers in the background. Two people paddle green kayaks in the foreground. The fountain commemorates the 100th anniversary of the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago. In the upper right, a large white transparent square outlined in blue reads "Join Our Team!" in blue text. Along the bottom is a dark blue transparent rectangle that displays the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago careers website, "mwrd.org/careers," and the social media icons for Facebook, X, Instagram, Threads, Bluesky, YouTube, and LinkedIn in light blue text.

We are accepting applications until April 10, 2026 for Director of Human Resources.

Apply to join a leading organization committed to protecting the environment in #CookCounty: jobapscloud.com/mwrd/

Learn more about MWRD #careers: mwrd.org/careers

#MWRD #Chicago #employment #jobs #HumanResources

Aerial view of downtown Chicago with sailboats on Lake Michigan in the foreground and the city skyline in the background. In the center, a large white transparent square outlined in blue reads "Join Our Team!" in blue text. At the bottom is a dark blue transparent rectangle that displays the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago careers website, "mwrd.org/careers," along with social media icons for Facebook, X, Instagram, Threads, Bluesky, YouTube, and LinkedIn in light blue text.

We are accepting applications until April 10, 2026 for the following jobs:
Engineering Draftsman II
Engineering Draftsman III

Join our team!
Apply: https://jobapscloud.com/mwrd/

Learn more about MWRD #careers: https://mwrd.org/careers

#MWRD #Chicago #jobs #employment #WaterJobs

The 2nd Annual #Chicago River Swim will return on Sunday, Sept. 20, 2026, bringing swimmers back to the main stem of the #ChicagoRiver for a day of competition, civic pride & clean #water, a feat that not long ago was hardly imaginable.

MWRD.org/river-swim-2026

#MWRD #CookCounty #ALS

Black and white historical photograph depicting the North Shore Channel from 1913. The image shows calm water with grassy banks on either side. In the background, there are a few trees and two small buildings situated on a hill. The foreground features a portion of the channel with a slight curve, and the date "1913" is inscribed at the bottom. The overall atmosphere is serene, capturing a moment in time along the waterway.

📷 The east side of the North Shore Channel in Wilmette between Linden Avenue and the Wilmette pumping station is seen in this photo from November 4, 1913.

📣 Learn how the #MWRD protects public health on our April 14 virtual tour. Register: https://mwrd.org/education/tours/virtual-tours

Blue-themed bid invitation featuring a digital dollar sign and details for invitation to bid on scavenger services contract 26-713-11 for O'Brien Water Reclamation Plant, with bid opening scheduled for April 21, 2026 at 11 AM.

New #opportunity! Review the latest invitation to bid on MWRD contracts.

#Contract number: 26-713-11. Scavenger Services at the O'Brien Water Reclamation Plant.
https://ow.ly/l3o550YyGUo

More: https://ow.ly/CE5150YyGUn

O'Brien WRP: https://ow.ly/lBKh50YyGUm
#MWRD #CookCounty #Chicago #Skokie

Gary Comer College Prep Middle School students and an engineer from the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago stand at the front of a classroom, smiling beside desks with clear cups and water samples during a STEM lesson on filtration on March 20, 2026. A presentation screen behind them explains water treatment. In a second close-up image, a student pours cloudy water through a cup filled with filter materials like sand and gravel, demonstrating the filtration process.

Students at Gary Comer College Prep Middle School teamed up with MWRD staff to explore how water filtration works. These future problem-solvers are diving into real-world STEM and discovering how we protect our waterways every day.

Learn more at MWRD.org.

🌊 #MWRD #CookCounty #Chicago #STEM

Aerial view of a Metropolitan Water Reclamation District (MWRD) water treatment facility with circular tanks. In the foreground, an open Climate Action Plan brochure and its cover are displayed. Text reads: “March 23 is World Climate Day.” The MWRD seal and a list of Board of Commissioners members appear at the bottom.

March 23 is World Climate Day. The MWRD is committed to climate resilience and sustainability. Learn how our Climate Action Plan is making a difference for the Chicago region and our waterways: mwrd.org/education/publications.

🌎 #WorldClimateDay #MWRD #CookCounty #Chicago

Aerial view of two red-and-white water intake cribs in Lake Michigan with the Chicago skyline in the background. A large blue water droplet graphic in the upper right reads: “March 22 is World Water Day.” The bottom section features the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago seal and a list of Board of Commissioners members.

Official resolution document from the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago recognizing March 22 as World Water Day. The document highlights the importance of water, the 2026 theme “Water and Gender,” and the need for equal access to clean water. The MWRD seal is centered, with the Board of Commissioners’ names listed at the bottom. The document is bordered in blue.

Today the MWRD recognizes World Water Day!

📜 Whereas, the 2026 theme for World Water Day is “Water and Gender”. This theme seeks to emphasize the critical, often unequal, role of women and girls in water management.

#WorldWaterDay #MWRD #Chicago

MWRD.org/BOC

Black and white historical photograph depicting the industrial landscape along the South Branch of the Chicago River. In the foreground, there is a wooden dock with weathered posts. The midground features a factory building with smoke billowing from tall chimneys. Stacks of lumber are visible near the factory. In the background, additional industrial structures can be seen, contributing to the overall scene of a bustling industrial area. The image is dated August 10, 1900.

Historical Photo of the Day: A view to the north showing the South Branch of the Chicago River on August 10, 1900, with a portion of the old Canal Street bridge visible on the right. Learn about the work of the #MWRD on our YouTube channel 📽⬇️
https://youtu.be/__yXMrBYek4
🏗💧💩🧪🧫🔬🌊🌞

A black and white photograph of an underground tunnel, featuring rough stone walls and a curved ceiling supported by wooden beams. Two workers stand on a narrow track in the center of the tunnel, with tools and equipment scattered nearby. Dim lighting illuminates the scene, highlighting the texture of the stone and the workers' clothing. The photograph was taken on June 9, 1937.

Historical Photo of the Day: Construction of the West Town Outlet Sewer on June 9, 1937. Learn about the work of the #MWRD on our YouTube channel 📽⬇️
https://youtu.be/__yXMrBYek4
🏗💧💩🧪🧫🔬🌊🌞

A graphic promoting EPA WaterSense Fix a Leak Week. The image features a shiny faucet and the text: "In just 10 minutes you could save... 10 percent on your water bill, 10 thousand gallons of water, 10 months of laundry water. Find and fix leaks!" It encourages learning more about water conservation at MWRD.org/OAD. Logos for EPA WaterSense and the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago are included, along with the Fix a Leak Week website: www.epa.gov/watersense/fix-leak-week.

🚰 Repairing leaks & using water efficiently helps conserve resources & reduces the amount of water entering sewer systems.

Learn how your actions can help protect water quality & reduce flooding risks at MWRD.org/OAD.

Visit epa.gov/watersense/fix-leak-week.

#MWRD #FixALeakWeek #WaterSense

A brown rabbit sits in green grass with a soft-focus background. White text in a circular design reads “welcome to spring.” Below, the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago seal appears alongside a list of Board of Commissioners: Kari K. Steele, President; Patricia Theresa Flynn, Vice President; Marcelino Garcia, Chairman of Finance; Precious Brady-Davis; Yumeka Brown; Cameron Davis; Beth McElroy Kirkwood; Eira L. Corral Sepúlveda; and Sharon Waller.

Spring is here! As nature awakens, we remain committed to protecting our waterways and the environment. Enjoy the season and remember to help keep our communities clean and green!

Learn more: mwrd.org/community-ac...

#Spring #MWRD #CookCounty #Chicago

Informational graphic promoting water conservation during Fix a Leak Week. On the left, a large illustration of a showerhead releases multiple blue water droplets, with the word “Shower Better” displayed vertically. On the right, bold text reads: “Switch to WaterSense and save…” followed by key savings: “2,700 gallons of water,” “11 days of energy to power your home,” and “$75 per year.” Icons of a water droplet, a house with a lightning bolt, and a bill accompany each statistic. At the bottom, text directs viewers to MWRD.org/OAD for more ways to conserve water. The Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago logo appears alongside the EPA WaterSense logo and a Fix a Leak Week banner with a smiling water droplet character holding a wrench.

Small changes can make a big impact on our water resources. 🚿 Upgrading to EPA WaterSense labeled showerheads can help save thousands of gallons of water each year while lowering energy use and utility costs.

Discover more conservation tips and programs from the #MWRD at MWRD.org/OAD.
#FixALeakWeek

Black and white historical photograph showing a construction site. In the foreground, a deep trench is visible, surrounded by piles of dirt and wooden planks. A man stands in the trench, wearing work clothes and a hat, looking towards the camera. In the background, there are railroad tracks and industrial buildings, with a large construction machine positioned nearby. The date "5-16-22" is noted in the bottom left corner.

Historical Photo of the Day: A view to the north on Avenue N near 99th Street in Chicago during work on the Calumet Intercepting Sewer on September 6, 1922. Learn about the work of the #MWRD on our YouTube channel 📽⬇️
https://youtu.be/__yXMrBYek4
🏗💧💩🧪🧫🔬🌊🌞

MWRD Board of Commissioners meeting graphic. Commissioners: Kari K. Steele (President), Patricia Theresa Flynn (Vice President), Marcelino Garcia (Chairman of Finance), Precious Brady-Davis, Yumeka Brown, Cameron Davis, Beth McElroy Kirkwood, Eira L. Corral Sepulveda, Sharon Waller. The background features dark and light blue abstract shapes.

The #MWRD will hold its Board of Commissioners meeting in person.

Thur. March 19, 2026; 10:30 a.m.
100 East Erie Street, #Chicago

Live stream: https://ow.ly/6q1Y50Yoy6N

📰 mwrd.org/news/mwrd-board-commissioners-meet-thursday-march-19-1030-am

MWRD Board of Commissioners: https://ow.ly/hWkz50Yoy6L

Black and white historical photograph of a street scene taken on July 15, 1916. The image shows a wide, unpaved street with a few trees lining the sides. On the left, there are buildings with storefronts, including one with a sign that reads "Liberty." A railway bridge is visible in the background, spanning the street. A person is seen walking on the sidewalk, and the overall atmosphere reflects an early 20th-century urban setting.

📷 View looking south at the intersection of Cleveland and North Avenues in Chicago on July 15, 1916.

📣 Join today’s (March 17) virtual tour from 2-3:15 p.m. and learn how the #MWRD protects the environment ⬇️
https://mwrd.org/education/tours/virtual-tours
🏗💧💩🧪🧫🔬🌊🌞

A group of Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago (MWRD) staff and commissioners stand together in a formal setting, recognized for their work in the Treasury Section, Budget Section, Finance Department, and Retirement Fund. The image includes a banner that reads: "Honoring 50 years of financial reporting excellence at the MWRD." The text explains that the Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA) presented MWRD with the Distinguished Budget Presentation Award for the 2025 Budget and Certificates of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting for the 2024 fiscal year. This marks 50 consecutive years of recognition for MWRD, placing them in the top two percent of governments receiving a consecutive award. The MWRD has also received the Distinguished Budget Presentation Award for 41 consecutive years.

The Government Finance Officers Association of the United States and Canada (GFOA) presented the #MWRD with the Distinguished Budget Presentation Award for the 2025 Budget and Certificates of Achievement for Excellence.

Read the press release for details:
https://ow.ly/Bx3K50YuXNU

#excellence

Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago press release dated March 16, 2026, titled “10 a.m. Storm Update: MWRD managing rain, ice and snow.” The release states that ice, snow, and nearly two inches of rain have the MWRD working around the clock. The Tunnel and Reservoir Plan (TARP) is protecting water quality and mitigating flooding for 3.71 million people. As of 10 a.m., TARP is holding nearly 4.3 billion gallons of water. Breakdown: McCook Reservoir is 92% full (3.2 billion gallons), Thornton Composite Reservoir is 13% full (1 billion gallons), and Majewski Reservoir is 25% full (85.6 million gallons). Each reservoir’s capacity and service area are described. The press release ends with “Learn more at MWRD.org/News.”

The MWRD's Tunnel & Reservoir Plan (TARP) is protecting the quality of the region’s water resources & mitigating flooding for 3.71 million people, holding nearly 4.3 billion gallons of water.

📰 Read the press release for details:
https://ow.ly/PbmO50YuTxJ

#MWRD #CookCounty #Chicago #Update

Illustration of a person shoveling snow on a sidewalk while a small dog with a heart above its head peeks out from behind a snow pile. Text reads: "Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago. Go easy on the salt. Before you grab the salt, sweep, shovel, or scrape snow and ice off the sidewalk. Learn why at mwrd.org/salt." Snow is gently falling against a light blue background.

❄️ Winter weather is here.

Salt enhances safety and helps with icy conditions, but excessive salt use can also harm our local water environment, fish, wildlife, insects, bodies of water, soil, and the paws of our four-legged friends.🦮🐈🐿️🐾

Learn to #SaltSmart this winter at MWRD.org/Salt. 🦅

#MWRD