Tessera

Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago

@mwrdgc.bsky.social

Protecting public health and the environment by providing wastewater treatment for Chicago and 128 suburban communities and serving as Cook County’s Stormwater Management Authority. Learn more at mwrd.org. ☎️ Report waterway concerns: 800-332-3867.

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Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago @mwrdgc.bsky.social · 4h ago

ICYMI: CBS News Chicago - The MWRD says treated wastewater from its Calumet plant could be redirected to data centers — potentially reducing how much drinking water those facilities consume each day. Read more: https://ow.ly/b6br50ZwGcn #MWRD #Chicago #DataCenters #water #wastewater #WaterReuse

A graphic from the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago (MWRD) features a CBS News Chicago with the headline "Data center water use projected to grow from 17 billion to 72 billion gallons by 2028." Below the headline is a photo of a CBS reporter Tara Molina interviewing MWRD executive director John Murray outdoors at the Calumet Water Reclamation Plant. Both are seated on chairs on a grassy field with equipment and buildings in the background. The caption explains that MWRD is exploring redirecting treated wastewater from the Calumet plant to data centers to reduce drinking water use.

Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago @mwrdgc.bsky.social · 5h ago

Several summer interns participated in a mock Board of Commissioners meeting on the morning of July 30. MWRD President Kari Steele, along with Commissioners Yumeka Brown and Beth McElroy Kirkwood, congratulated the interns on their performance. More: mwrd.org/internships #NationalInternDay #MWRD

Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago @mwrdgc.bsky.social · 6h ago

Overflow Action Alert: Heavy rain is expected in the Chicago area today. Reduce your use of water during & after the storm to help prevent flooding & protect water quality. • Delay showers & baths • Wait to run the dishwasher More: MWRD.org/OAD A joint initiative with chicagoriver.org

Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago @mwrdgc.bsky.social · 7h ago

Historical Photo of the Day: Workers and stone crushing machinery next to a spoil pile along the Cal-Sag Channel near Blue Island on October 2, 1922. Learn about the work of the #MWRD on our YouTube channel ⬇️ https://youtu.be/__yXMrBYek4 🏗💧💩🧪🧫🔬🌊🌞

Black and white historical photo showing workers and stone crushing machinery next to a large spoil pile along the Cal-Sag Channel near Blue Island on October 2, 1922. Several men stand on and around the machinery and piles of rock, with construction equipment and a horse-drawn wagon visible. The image documents the construction of the 16-mile-long, 60-foot-wide channel, a project that began in 1911 and lasted until 1922.

Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago @mwrdgc.bsky.social · yesterday

The MWRD was proud to participate in the Say No to Drugs and Violence Parade and College and Community Resource Fair on July 25. Thank you to everyone who stopped by! MWRD.org/events #Chicago #MWRD #community

Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago @mwrdgc.bsky.social · yesterday

📷 A view looking north towards the raised Metropolitan Elevated Railroad bridge and boat traffic on the South Branch of the Chicago River on November 9, 1911. 📣 Join us at 2 p.m. today, August 4, to learn about the work of the #MWRD ⬇️ https://mwrd.org/education/tours/virtual-tours

A black and white photo taken on November 9, 1911, looking north on the South Branch of the Chicago River from just north of Van Buren. The image shows boat traffic passing under the raised Metropolitan Elevated Railroad bridge, with steam rising from the boats and tall industrial buildings lining both sides of the river.

Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago @mwrdgc.bsky.social · 2d ago

📣 Check out the August 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... #MWRD #Chicago #ChicagoRiver #CookCounty

Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago @mwrdgc.bsky.social · 2d ago

Historical Photo of the Day: A view to the west at the intersection of Bonnie Brae and Iowa Street in River Forest, Illinois, during work for the Oak Park sewer on June 7, 1922. Join our virtual tour tomorrow, Tuesday, August 4, at 2 p.m. Register ⬇️ https://mwrd.org/education/tours/virtual-tours

A black and white historical photo taken on June 7, 1922, shows a view looking west at the intersection of Bonnie Brae and Iowa Street in River Forest. The scene captures construction work for the Oak Park sewer, with a dirt road, scattered debris, a wheelbarrow, and a temporary wooden structure on the right. Residential houses and trees line both sides of the street in the background.

Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago @mwrdgc.bsky.social · 3d ago

📷 A view to the north showing the Lockport Powerhouse, Dam and Lock on December 28, 1907. 📣 Join our virtual tour on Tuesday, August 4, at 2 p.m. Register ⬇️ https://mwrd.org/education/tours/virtual-tours 🏗💧💩🧪🧫🔬🌊🌞

A black and white historical photo taken on December 28, 1907, shows a view to the north of the Lockport Powerhouse, Dam, and original Lock. The large powerhouse building with tall arched windows stands beside the dam, with water flowing rapidly in the foreground. The original lock, visible to the right, was later replaced by a much larger lock in 1933 to allow larger vessels to travel between the Des Plaines River and the Chicago Sanitary and Ship Canal.

Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago @mwrdgc.bsky.social · 4d ago

Join us on Tuesday, Aug. 4, to travel back in time to early #Chicago and see how we reversed the Chicago River and developed wastewater treatment technology. #MWRD Virtual Tour: August 4 2:00pm - 3:15pm mwrd.org/virtual-tour

Graphic promoting the MWRD’s free virtual tour. A large vintage-style postcard reads “Greetings From Chicago, Illinois” above a photo of workers walking through the Deep Tunnel, a massive underground tunnel with shallow water reflecting their lights. Two admission-style tickets labeled “Virtual Tour” and “Tour” appear on the left. Text reads: “Visit the Deep Tunnel on a free Virtual Tour of the Chicago region’s water infrastructure and history! Register: mwrd.org/virtual-tour.”

Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago @mwrdgc.bsky.social · 4d ago

This National Water Quality Month, we recognize the MWRD’s ongoing work to protect our region’s waterways. From pioneering engineering milestones to advancing modern water quality, stormwater solutions, and climate resilience, we remain committed to safeguarding our communities. mwrd.org/what-we-do

A scientist wearing safety glasses and blue gloves carefully pours liquid into a graduated cylinder in a laboratory setting. The image features a blue wave graphic with the text “Happy National Water Quality Month.” Below, the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago seal and a list of Board of Commissioners’ names are displayed.

Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago @mwrdgc.bsky.social · 4d ago

Historical Photo of the Day: Interior view of construction of the Calumet Intercepting Sewer in a location along Prairie Avenue near 123rd in Chicago on February 20, 1918. Join our virtual tour on Tuesday, August 4, at 2 p.m. Register ⬇️ https://mwrd.org/education/tours/virtual-tours 🏗💧💩🧪🧫🔬🌊🌞

Interior view of construction of the Calumet Intercepting Sewer along Prairie Avenue near 123rd in Chicago on February 20, 1918. Several workers stand inside a wooden tunnel, surrounded by construction tools, hoses, and muddy ground. The workers wear heavy coats and hats, and the scene captures the challenging conditions of early 20th-century sewer construction.

Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago @mwrdgc.bsky.social · 5d ago

Sign up for Overflow Action Alerts and get reminders to conserve water when heavy rains are forecast. Small changes at home can help reduce the overall amount of water in the sewer system. Together, we can help protect our communities, waterways and homes. Learn more and register at MWRD.org/OAD.

Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago @mwrdgc.bsky.social · 5d ago

We are accepting applications until August 14, 2026 for the following job: • Associate Process Control Engineer Apply to join a leading organization committed to protecting the environment in Cook County: jobapscloud.com/mwrd Learn more about #MWRD careers: mwrd.org/careers #careers #jobs

Aerial view of downtown Chicago with skyscrapers, Lake Michigan, and numerous sailboats docked along the shoreline. In the center, a large white box displays the text "Join Our Team!" in bold blue letters. At the bottom, a blue banner features the URL "MWRD.org/Careers" and icons for Facebook, X (Twitter), Instagram, Threads, YouTube, and LinkedIn, promoting career opportunities at the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago.

Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago @mwrdgc.bsky.social · 5d ago

Historical Photo of the Day: The site for the North Branch Pumping Station on January 14, 1928, looking northwest from Lawrence Avenue. Join our virtual tour on Tuesday, August 4, at 2 p.m. Register ⬇️ https://mwrd.org/education/tours/virtual-tours 🏗💧💩🧪🧫🔬🌊🌞

A black and white photo taken on January 14, 1928, shows the future site of the North Branch Pumping Station, looking northwest from Lawrence Avenue on the east side of the Lawrence Avenue bridge near Francisco Avenue. The image features a cobblestone street, utility poles, a bare tree, and distant industrial buildings. The pumping station was completed in 1929 and began service in 1930.

Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago @mwrdgc.bsky.social · 6d ago

ICYMI Evanston RoundTable: On July 5, in a storm update, the MWRD reported that an average of 8.15 inches of rain had fallen in the communities it serves over the previous 30 days. That was more than the average rainfall for June and July combined. Learn more: https://ow.ly/bzos50ZuPOT

Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago @mwrdgc.bsky.social · 6d ago

🎉 Happy National Intern Day! 🎉 Today, we celebrate the talented interns who bring fresh perspectives, dedication and enthusiasm to the #MWRD. Our interns help advance our mission to protect public health and the region’s water environment. mwrd.org/careers/internships #Chicago

A large group of interns from the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago sit together on outdoor steps, smiling for a group photo. Two interns in the front row hold a blue sign that reads “Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago.” Above the group, bold text says “Happy National Intern Day!” The bottom of the image features the MWRD seal and a list of Board of Commissioners’ names.

Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago @mwrdgc.bsky.social · 6d ago

Historical Photo of the Day: Boats docked on the North Branch of the Chicago River, just south of the Belmont Avenue bridge, on May 27, 1920. Learn about the Chicago Area Waterway System ⚓⬇️ https://mwrd.org/what-we-do/reducing-flooding/chicago-area-waterway-system-caws

Boats docked on the North Branch of the Chicago River, looking east across the river from the west bank, just south of the Belmont Avenue bridge, on May 27, 1920. The historic black and white photo shows a metal truss bridge with a stone tower, several small boats and houseboats along the riverbank, and early 20th-century buildings in the background.

Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago @mwrdgc.bsky.social · last wk.

🤔 💭 Have you ever wondered: ❓ What is a combined sewer overflow? ❓ Why do our sewers overflow into waterways? ❓ What happens if the Deep Tunnel (TARP) is full? ❓ What causes sewer backups, and what can homeowners do to help prevent them? 🤓 We have answers at MWRD.org! Details in comments.

Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago @mwrdgc.bsky.social · last wk.

New #contract opportunity! • Contract number 26-363-11: Public Tender of Bids for a 14-Year Lease on ±9 Acres of District Real Estate at 6400 Canal Bank Road, Forest View, Illinois, Known as Main Channel Parcel 37.07 mwrd.app/Cntrctann ➡️ mwrd.org/doing-business/procurement-and-materials-management

Invitation to Bid graphic with a large blue dollar sign and the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago seal. Announces Contract Number 26-363-11: Public Tender of Bids for a 14-Year Lease on ±9 Acres of District Real Estate at 6400 Canal Bank Road, Forest View, Illinois, Known as Main Channel Parcel 37.07. Bid opening is August 18, 2026, at 11:00 AM. Yellow banner at the bottom shows: mwrd.app/Cntrctann.

Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago @mwrdgc.bsky.social · last wk.

Historical Photo of the Day: The interior of the Lockport Powerhouse is seen as this photo from sometime in 1907 or later. Learn about the Chicago Area Waterway System ⚓⬇️ https://mwrd.org/what-we-do/reducing-flooding/chicago-area-waterway-system-caws

Black and white historical photo showing the interior of the Lockport Powerhouse, taken in 1907 or later. Large horizontal generators line the tiled wall, with a worker standing next to one of the original seven generators. The powerhouse, located at the end of the Chicago Sanitary and Ship Canal near Lockport, was used to maintain water levels, support commercial navigation between the canal and the Des Plaines River, and generate electricity.

Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago @mwrdgc.bsky.social · last wk.

ICYMI WBBM Newsradio: The #MWRD is managing stormwater from downpours. Ed Staudacher, the MWRD's director of maintenance and operations, is interviewed on the latest information about the MWRD's Tunnel & Reservoir Plan. Listen: https://ow.ly/oMAk50Zu1Kx #MWRD #TARP #Chicago #infrastructure

Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago featured on WBBM Newsradio. Aerial view of a large reservoir and surrounding green areas, part of the Tunnel and Reservoir Plan (TARP) infrastructure, with text highlighting MWRD’s efforts to manage stormwater from downpours.

Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago @mwrdgc.bsky.social · last wk.

ICYMI WBEZ Radio 91.5 FM: Cook County is still managing excess water after yesterday's storms The Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago says its major reservoirs combined are storing approximately 4.7 billion gallons of water. Listen: https://ow.ly/GuP950Zu0hw #MWRD #WBEZ

Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago news graphic features WBEZ Chicago dated July 28, 2026. Headline: “Cook County is still managing excess water after yesterday’s storms.” Shows a large reservoir, roads, greenery, and the Chicago skyline. Text notes MWRD’s reservoirs are storing about 4.7 billion gallons of water. Includes “Learn more at MWRD.org/News” and a blue “ICYMI” pattern at the bottom.

Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago @mwrdgc.bsky.social · last wk.

ICYMI Austin Weekly News: The City of #Chicago Department of Water Management (DWM) and the #MWRD tackle flooding on the West Side by collecting and storing stormwater along LeMoyne Street. ➡️ https://mwrd.org/news/west-side-flooding-reduction-project-expected-be-completed-fall-austin-weekly-news

MWRD commissioners and staff stand together outdoors inside a large concrete stormwater structure, smiling for a group photo on a sunny day. Trees and houses are visible in the background. At the top, the image includes a news headline from "Austin Weekly News" that reads: "West Side Flooding Reduction Project Expected to Be Completed in Fall." The date is July 27, 2026, and the article is by Emma Bradford. Text at the bottom says, "Learn more at MWRD.org/News." The background features repeated "ICYMI" text.

Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago @mwrdgc.bsky.social · last wk.

🌎 On World Nature Conservation Day, the #MWRD celebrates the natural resources that sustain our communities. Through habitat restoration, native tree plantings, wetland protection and water quality improvements, we’re helping build healthier ecosystems for future generations. 🪴🌊 MWRD.org

Graphic celebrating World Nature Conservation Day. Large white text reads, “The MWRD celebrates World Nature Conservation Day” over a photo of yellow native wildflowers in bloom. The bottom section displays the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago seal and the Board of Commissioners: President Kari K. Steele, Vice President Patricia Theresa Flynn, Chairman of Finance Marcelino Garcia, and Commissioners Precious Brady-Davis, Yumeka Brown, Cameron Davis, Beth McElroy Kirkwood, Eira L. Corral Sepúlveda and Sharon Waller.

Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago @mwrdgc.bsky.social · last wk.

Historical Photo of the Day: A view of Iowa Street in River Forest, Illinois, looking east from a point just west of Clinton Place, during sewer construction on May 13, 1922. Learn how the MWRD helps protect the environment ⬇️ https://mwrd.org/what-we-do/protecting-water-quality

A black-and-white historical photo showing Iowa Street in River Forest, Illinois, looking east from just west of Clinton Place during sewer construction on May 13, 1922. The street is lined with trees and residential homes, and construction materials and equipment are visible along the roadway.

Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago @mwrdgc.bsky.social · last wk.

MWRD managing excess water after severe storms hit Cook County https://mwrd.org/news/mwrd-managing-excess-water-after-severe-storms-hit-cook-county

Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago @mwrdgc.bsky.social · last wk.

Join us for the MWRD Monitoring and Research Seminar on Friday, July 31 at 10:30 a.m. "Internal Substrate Selection of Granules in a Flow-Through Activated Sludge System via Biological Selectors" Virtual: On July 31, visit: https://ow.ly/RclJ50Ztzje Details: https://ow.ly/HfKI50Ztzjc

Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago @mwrdgc.bsky.social · last wk.

📷 The construction site for the Randolph Street bridge over the South Branch of the Chicago River, looking west on the west side of the river, on November 26, 1902. 📽 Learn how the MWRD helps protect public health and the environment ⬇️ https://youtu.be/__yXMrBYek4 🏗💧💩🧪🧫🔬🌊🌞

A black and white photo showing the construction site for the Randolph Street bridge over the South Branch of the Chicago River, looking west on the west side of the river, on November 26, 1902. The image features workers, construction equipment, steel beams, and city buildings in the background.