Public invited to visit MWRD’s O’Brien Water Reclamation Plant for open house and tours in May; other facilities to open later in month

WHO: Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago (MWRD)

WHAT: The MWRD will host an open house as part of Chicago Water Week to welcome visitors of all ages for a behind-the-scenes look at how the MWRD transforms water and protects the region's environment.

WHERE: O'Brien Water Reclamation Plant, 3500 Howard St., Skokie, IL

WHEN: Saturday, May 2, 2026, at 10 a.m. - 3 p.m.

Follow the flush to the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago's (MWRD's) open house at the O'Brien Water Reclamation Plant, 3500 Howard St., Skokie on May 2. Between the hours of 10 a.m. - 3 p.m. see how wastewater is transformed and returned to the environment as clean water in a matter of hours. The Stickney and Calumet WRPs will host open houses later in May.

Guests of all ages may take an abbreviated tour of the plant, meet with MWRD staff for interactive activities and take home free oak tree saplings, milkweed and native wildflower seeds to support stormwater management and the lifecycle of the monarch butterfly and other pollinators. Guests can also drop off unwanted medicine as part of the MWRD's collection campaign to keep pharmaceuticals out of area water resources.

Visitors are encouraged to wear closed-toe shoes and suitable attire for an industrial environment. For more information or to participate in longer tours, visit mwrd.org or call (312) 751-6633.