Illinois lawmakers tour MWRD facilities to learn more about wastewater treatment and stormwater management

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Three members of the Illinois House of Representatives joined Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago (MWRD) leadership for a tour of several critical facilities designed to protect public health and the environment.

State Reps. Mike Crawford (31st), Mary Gill (35th), and Theresa Mah (24th), along with members of their respective staffs and representatives from the office of Rep. Norma Hernandez (77th), joined MWRD President Kari K. Steele, Vice President Patricia Theresa Flynn, Commissioner Beth McElroy Kirkwood and MWRD Executive Director John Murray for visits to the MWRD Stickney Water Reclamation Plant, the Tunnel and Reservoir Plan (TARP) Mainstream Pumping Station and the McCook Reservoir.

MWRD employees provided the lawmakers and their staff with detailed explanations of how the agency treats wastewater, manages stormwater and protects the region's water environment while providing essential services to the Cook County population.

"The MWRD serves approximately 5.2 million residents across Cook County, and tours like these provide an opportunity to showcase exactly how we serve those residents every day," said President Steele. "We appreciate the members of the Illinois General Assembly taking the time to visit our facilities and see firsthand the essential work that goes into protecting public health and the environment."

The tour began at the Stickney Water Reclamation Plant, where the group viewed the wastewater treatment process. The next stop included an underground visit at the TARP Mainstream Pumping Station in Hodgkins before it concluded at the McCook Reservoir in Bedford Park.

"The MWRD performs critical work that most people never see but everyone depends on. From treating wastewater to protect our waterways to flood reduction, MWRD helps keep our communities safe and healthy," said Rep. Crawford. "I encourage residents to take advantage of an MWRD public tour to see this remarkable operation firsthand, and I thank the dedicated employees whose expertise and commitment protects our water every day."

At McCook, the group viewed a near capacity reservoir holding over 3 billion gallons of water that previously would have overwhelmed local waterways and communities. They also toured the excavation progress made on the expansion of the reservoir to hold an added 6.5 billion gallons of capacity. Once complete, the MWRD will have removed over 220 billion pounds of rock to have 10 billion gallons of capacity, making it the largest reservoir of its kind in the world.

The McCook Reservoir serves central Chicago and 36 municipalities as part of the Des Plaines and Mainstream Tunnel Systems, which serve a 258-square-mile area.

"I want to thank everyone at the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District for such an interesting and insightful tour," said Rep. Gill. "Learning about the reclamation district and the importance it plays in keeping our water clean and safe was eye-opening. Not only are they treating wastewater, but they're managing stormwater to keep our streets safe. Their work plays an invaluable role in keeping our city running, and I am so thankful for their dedication."

MWRD offers similar tours to community stakeholders several times a year, providing an opportunity to learn more about wastewater treatment, stormwater management and the MWRD's work to protect the region's environment.

For more information, visit mwrd.org/education/tours.