MWRD, Forest Preserves of Cook County to study major project that would connect south suburbs with nature and alleviate flooding

January 22, 2025

The Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago (MWRD) and the Forest Preserves of Cook County are partnering on a feasibility study in southeast Cook County for a collaborative project to provide flood relief, restore the local ecology and create new outdoor recreational opportunities for neighboring communities.

A drawing illustrates amenities that could be added along Deer Creek and Third Creek, from the Forest Preserves of Cook County's Southeast Cook County Land Acquisition Plan.

This 20-month study will assess the potential for the MWRD and the Forest Preserves to coordinate and share costs for the planning, design, construction and maintenance of a Deer Creek-Third Creek Reservoir. If feasible, the system would provide naturalized stormwater storage for flood-prone communities in nearby Glenwood, Ford Heights, Lansing, Thornton, South Holland, Calumet City, Dolton and unincorporated areas.

"We are excited to launch the Deer Creek-Third Creek Reservoir feasibility study with our partners at the Forest Preserves of Cook County to promote resilience and the beauty of the Southland," said MWRD President Kari K. Steele. "We look forward to evaluating a project of this magnitude that can potentially mitigate flooding and yield multiple benefits."

The proposed project could cover nearly one-square-mile area along Deer Creek and Third Creek within the Little Calumet River Watershed near Glenwood and Ford Heights, where stormwater storage can help mitigate increasing flooding concerns.

The Forest Preserves identified the area as a priority for land acquisition to ensure that open natural land remains in south suburban Cook County as part of its 2019 Southeast Cook County Land Acquisition Plan. The Preserves have since acquired more than 350 acres based on criteria that include ecological restoration potential, water and trail connectivity, and the equitable distribution of the health benefits of green space. The collaboration with the MWRD would accelerate the process for restoration and possible recreational opportunities, which could include trails, fishing, boating and picnicking at these properties.

"A partnership at this site between the Forest Preserves of Cook County and MWRD has the potential to advance the mission and goals of both agencies. If feasible, we can create preserves that address stormwater challenges, foster habitats for native plants and wildlife, and offer residents an inviting place to connect with nature," said Cook County and Forest Preserves of Cook County President Toni Preckwinkle.

Modeling performed by the MWRD, using new rainfall data published by the Illinois State Water Survey in 2020, shows raised flood elevations along the Little Calumet River in South Holland, Dolton, Calumet City and Lansing. Flood waters from Deer Creek and Third Creek flow into Thorn Creek before reaching the Little Calumet River.

Proposed channel improvements along Deer Creek would direct flood water into new flood storage areas adjacent to the creeks. The new stormwater conveyance and storage improvements would give the region more room to accommodate increasing stormwater demands. The land in the project could potentially be larger than one square mile, which would accommodate more than 500 million gallons of naturalized stormwater storage.

The MWRD has undertaken a similar, award-winning reservoir expansion project, the Buffalo Creek Reservoir, with the Lake County Forest Preserves. That project not only protects nearby communities from flooding in Cook County, but it also provides a scenic attraction for recreational amenities for area residents.

The opportunity to collaborate on a joint project also brings opportunities to leverage state and federal funding through partnership. The Deer Creek-Third Creek Reservoir has already received grant funding assistance from the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) and the Federal Emergency Management Agency's (FEMA) Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities (BRIC) Program to advance the feasibility study. The partners will continue to pursue additional funding assistance for future phases of the project.

The MWRD and the Forest Preserves introduced plans for the multi-benefit flood control project on Jan. 16, at the Little Calumet River Watershed Planning Council Meeting. Project partners plan to begin outreach to municipal leaders in the fall of 2025, and once the feasibility study concludes in the fall of 2026, community meetings will be held to gather public input on the project.

About the Forest Preserves of Cook County
Don't you sometimes just want to escape? Explore the natural beauty of Cook County for an hour, a day or even a night. When you're surrounded by 70,000 acres of wild and wonderful there's no better place to feel free.

Carl Vogel, Director of Communications, 708.906.1184, [email protected]

About Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago

Established in 1889, the MWRD is an award-winning, special purpose government agency responsible for treating wastewater and managing stormwater for 5.19 million people within Chicago and 128 municipalities that stretch across 882 square miles of Cook County.

Allison Fore, Public and Intergovernmental Affairs Officer, 312.751.6626, [email protected]