Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago
| Company type | Special-purpose district |
|---|---|
| Industry | Wastewater treatment, water reclamation, flood control |
| Founded | 1889 |
| Headquarters | Chicago , United States |
Area served | Cook County, Illinois |
Key people | Brian A. Perkovich (Executive Director) |
Number of employees | ~2,000 |
| Website | mwrd |
The Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago (MWRD), initially known as the Sanitary District of Chicago, has been functioning as a special-purpose district within Cook County, Illinois since 1889. Despite its title, it operates independently from the municipal government of the City of Chicago and is established under Illinois state legislation with an elected Board of Commissioners. The MWRD's primary responsibilities include wastewater treatment, reclamation, and flood control throughout Cook County to protect public health and preserve local waterways. A significant historical achievement was the 1900 reversal of the Chicago River's flow, and the district is presently undertaking the large-scale "Deep Tunnel" Tunnel and Reservoir Plan (TARP) initiative.
Organization and Administration
Leadership of the MWRD is vested in a nine-member Board of Commissioners, each elected countywide for staggered six-year terms, with elections held for three seats biennially. Every two years, the board selects from among its members a President, Vice President, and Chairman of Finance. Annual compensation for commissioners is $70,000; the Vice President and Finance Chair receive $75,000 each, while the President earns $80,000.
The Board functions as the legislative authority for the MWRD, formulating policies to fulfill the District’s mission.
Current members
| Name | Party | Start | End |
|---|---|---|---|
| Template:Sortname (President) | Template:Party shading/Democratic |Democratic | 2012 | 2024 |
| Template:Sortname (Vice President) | Template:Party shading/Democratic |Democratic | 2022 | 2028 |
| Template:Sortname (Finance Chair) | Template:Party shading/Democratic |Democratic | 2018 | 2024 |
| Template:Sortname | Template:Party shading/Democratic |Democratic | 2023 | 2024 |
| Template:Sortname | Template:Party shading/Democratic |Democratic | 2022 | 2028 |
| Template:Sortname | Template:Party shading/Democratic |Democratic | 2020 | 2026 |
| Template:Sortname | Template:Party shading/Democratic |Democratic | 2024 | 2030 |
| Template:Sortname | Template:Party shading/Democratic |Democratic | 2020 | 2026 |
| Template:Sortname | Template:Party shading/Democratic |Democratic | 2024 | 2030 |
Presidents of the board
Listed below are notable individuals who have held the position of board president along with their terms:
- Murray Nelson (Feb. 1, 1890–Dec. 2, 1890)
- Richard Prendergast (Dec. 2, 1890–Dec. 8, 1891)
- Frank Wenter (Dec. 8, 1891–Dec. 3, 1895)
- Bernard A. Eckhart (Dec. 3, 1895–Dec. 8, 1896)
- Thomas Kelly (Dec. 8, 1896–Dec. 8, 1897)
- William Boldenweck (Dec. 7, 1897–Dec. 4, 1900)
- Alexander J. Jones (Dec. 4, 1900–Dec. 3, 1901)
- Thomas A. Smyth first tenure (Dec. 3, 1901–Dec. 8, 1903)
- Zina R. Carter (Dec. 8, 1903–Dec. 4, 1905)
- Robert R. McCormick (Dec. 4, 1905–Dec. 6, 1910)
- Thomas A. Smith second tenure (Dec. 6, 1910–Dec. 5, 1916)
- Charles H. Sergel (Dec. 5, 1916–Apr. 16, 1920)
- William J. Healy first tenure (Apr. 16, 1920–Dec. 30, 1920)
- Lawrence F. King first tenure (Dec. 30, 1920–May 10, 1921)
- William J. Healy second tenure (May 10, 1921–Jul. 7, 1921)
- Lawrence F. King second tenure (Jul. 7, 1921–Dec.7,1922)
- William J. Healy third tenure (Dec.7,1922–Sep.2,1924)
- Lawrence F. King third tenure (Sep.11,1924–Dec.7,1926)
- Timothy J.Crowe (Dec.7,1926–Dec.7,1928)
- Howard W.Elmore (Dec.6,1928–Dec.2,1930)
- Thomas J.Boweler (Dec.2,1930–Dec.4,1934)
- Ross A.Woodhull (Dec.4,1936–May26,1944)
- James M.Whitean (Jun29,1944–Dec2,1946)
- A.F.Maciejewski(Dec2,1946–Dec2,1948)
- J.L.Friedman(Dec7,1948–Dec5,1950)
- Anthony A.Olis(Dec5,1950–Jun3,1958)
- William F.Patterson(Jun12,1958–Dec2,1958)
- Frank W.Chesrow(Dec2,1958–Dec6,1966)
- John E.Egan(Dec6,1966–Dec3,1974)
- Nicholas J.Melas(Jan2,1975–Dec8,1992)
- Thomas S.Fuller(Jan7,1993–Dec3,1996)
- Kathleen Therese Meaney first tenure(Dec3,1996–Jan9,1997)
- Terrence J.O'Brien(Jan9,1997–Nov30,2012)
- Barbara J.McGowan first tenure (acting president Nov30 ,2012–Jan3 ,2013)
- Kathleen Therese Meany second tenure(Jan2 ,2013 –Nov30 ,2014 )
- Barbara J.McGowan second tenure(acting president Nov30 ,2014 –Jan8 ,2015 )
- Mariyana T.Spyropoulos(Jan8 ,2015 –Jan10 ,2019 )
- Kari K.Steele(Jan10 ,2019 –present )
Vice Presidents of the Board
Prominent individuals who served as vice presidents and their respective terms include:
- William H. Baker (December 4, 1900 – December 3, 1901)
- Frank X. Cloidt (December 3, 1901 – December 8, 1903)
- William Legner (December 8, 1903 – December 4, 1905)
- Casimer Griglik (December 7, 1948 – December 3, 1859)* [Note: possible date inconsistency]
- Michael J. Rudnick (December 5, 1950 – May 17, 1954)
- William S. Nordberg (June 12, 1958 – December 2, 1958)
- William F. Patterson (May 19, 1955 – June 12, 1958)
- John A. Cullerton (December 3, 1959 – August 27, 1961)
- Vincent D. Garrity (September 7, 1961 – December 6, 1966)
- Earl E. Strayhorn (December 6, 1966 – December 8, 1970)
- Nicholas J. Melas (January 7, 1971 – January 2, 1975)
- Valentine Janicki (January 2, 1975 – December 7, 1976)
- William A. Jaskula (January 6, 1977 – June 17, 1983)
- Richard J. Troy (July 15, 1983 – December 6, 1988)
- Nancy Drew Sheen (January 5, 1989 – January 7, 1993)
- Frank E. Gardner (January 7, 1993 – January 5, 1995)
- Kathleen Therese Meany (January 5, 1995 – January 6, 2011)
- Barbara J. McGowan (January 6, 2011 – November 30, 2022)
- Kimberly du Buclet (January 5, 2023 – May 13, 2023)
- Patricia Flynn (June 15, 2023 – present)
Executive Leadership
Serving as MWRD’s chief financial officer and reporting directly to the Board is the Treasurer. This role entails optimizing investment returns, issuing bonds to finance capital projects, managing outstanding debts, and supervising all financial affairs.
The Executive Director also answers to the Board and oversees daily operations across eight key departments: Engineering; Finance; Human Resources; Information Technology; Legal; Maintenance and Operations; Monitoring and Research; and Procurement and Materials Management. Additionally, department leaders and Administrative Services units—including Diversity and Environmental Justice initiatives, Management and Budget functions, and Public Affairs—are accountable to the Executive Director.
Brian A. Perkovich currently holds the position of Executive Director.
Public Participation
Public meetings are conducted twice each month throughout the year except during July and August at the location of100 E. Erie Street in Chicago. Meeting agendas are made available online approximately three days before each session. Following the publication of tentative budgets, at least one public hearing is scheduled within a window of ten to twenty days.
History
Founded in1889 as the Sanitary District of Chicago,the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago (MWRD) is responsible for managing water supply and wastewater services for Chicago along with125 neighboring suburbs in Cook County. Early accomplishments featured reversing the flow of the Chicago River to safeguard Lake Michigan’s drinking water and constructing the Chicago Sanitary and Ship Canal in1900—a project that facilitated wastewater disposal while enabling commercial navigation between the Great Lakes and the Gulf of Mexico.
Later developments included creation of the North Shore Channel in1910 to aid drainage and dilution efforts,and completion of the Cal-Sag Channel in1922 which reversed flows in the Calumet Rivers while establishing the district’s first treatment plant.
Initial legislative efforts faced obstacles due to concerns about downstream discharges until a commission successfully promoted economic advantages tied to a navigable canal connecting Great Lakes waterways with southern routes. The Sanitary District Enabling Act passed in1889 delineated district boundaries covering roughly185 square miles; local residents overwhelmingly endorsed its formation.
MWRD expanded the Chicago Area Waterway System (CAWS) by adding treatment facilities and interceptor sewers designed to transport wastewater from local collection systems. The district constructed560 miles of intercepting sewers and force mains ranging from six inches up to twenty-seven feet in diameter—integrated with about10,000 local sewer systems essential for stormwater control and waterway protection.
Between1955 and1988,the agency was known as The Metropolitan Sanitary District of Greater Chicago; it adopted its current name in1989—Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago—to more accurately represent its responsibilities under the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District Act. Construction documentation is preserved within the Chicago Sewers Collection housed at the Harold Washington Library Center.
Lockport Powerhouse
Constructed in 1907 along the Main Channel Extension in Lockport, Illinois, the Lockport Powerhouse defines the southwestern edge of the Chicago Area Waterway System (CAWS), which is managed by the MWRD. Situated just upstream of where the Chicago Sanitary and Ship Canal converges with the Des Plaines River, this facility is essential for regulating water levels and reducing flood hazards throughout the MWRD service region. Additionally, it harnesses hydroelectric energy through two turbines, generating over $1 million annually by selling electricity to Commonwealth Edison. The following table outlines its yearly power output and associated revenue, highlighting its economic impact:
| 2022 | 21,929,152 kWh | $836,182.59 |
| 2021 | 32,499,834 kWh | $779,450.48 |
| 2020 | 37,608,633 kWh | $868,630.58 |
| 2019 | 41,131,268 kWh | $1,093,794.89 |
| 2018 | 42,004,233 kWh | $1,135,079.84 |
| 2017 | 37,583,707 kWh | $1,041,780.24 |
| 2016 | 35,595,896 kWh | $990,097.68 |
| 2015 | 41,595,703 kWh | $1,299,793.17 |
| 2014 | 41,518,650 kWh | $1,390,418.00 |
| 2013 | 33,070,255 kWh | $1,012,462.00 |
| 2012 | 23,589,171 kWh | $686,081.00* |
- No precipitation recorded in 2012.
Responsibilities and programs
The District administers nearly 91% of Cook County's landmass and accounts for 98% of its assessed property value. Unlike many sanitary districts confined to their immediate jurisdictions, it operates infrastructure extending beyond its borders to serve Chicago and 128 adjacent municipalities. Its extensive interceptor sewer system links approximately 10,000 local sewer connections. To oversee these comprehensive water treatment and flood management functions, the MWRD employs close to 2,000 personnel.
Water Reclamation
Since 1919, the Board of Commissioners has dedicated the MWRD to building and managing sewage treatment facilities aimed at safeguarding Lake Michigan—the primary drinking water source for six million residents across Chicago and neighboring counties. The MWRD runs the largest water reclamation facility in the United States—the Stickney Water Reclamation Plant located in Cicero, Illinois—alongside six other plants and 23 pumping stations. These facilities vary in capacity from Stickney’s 1.44 billion gallons per day to Lemont’s 4 million gallons per day.
Typically, water reclamation complexes consist of two main plants: one treating wastewater and another handling solids extracted during processing.
In 2017 alone, about were processed at MWRD plants which consistently complied with their NPDES permit standards designed to protect surface waters.
0| Table 1. Water Reclamation in 2017 | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Facility | Flow
(MGD) |
Effluent Concentrations (mg/L) | Permit
Violations |
Permit
Compliance Rate | ||
| CBOD | SS | NH4-N | ||||
| Stickney WRP | 677 | 2 | 5 | 0.5 | 1 | 99.94% |
| Calumet WRP | 256 | 3 | 6 | 0.4 | 0 | 100% |
| O'Brien WRP | 232 | 2 | 6 | 0.6 | 0 | 100% |
| Kirie WRP | 41.77 | 2 | 2 | 0.3 | 0 | 100% |
| Egan WRP | 23.9 | 2 | 2 | 0.1 | 0 | 100% |
| get Hanover Park WRP | 9.50 | 3 | 5 | 0.3 | 0 | 100% |
| Lemont WRP | 2.56 | 4 | 8 | |||
| 100% | ||||||
CBOD: Carbonaceous biochemical oxygen demand; SS: Suspended solids; NH4-N: Ammonia nitrogen.
On average daily basis, the MWRD treats a significant volume of wastewater and jointly manages the Chicago Area Waterway System (CAWS) with the United States Army Corps of Engineers, a vital national waterway connecting the Atlantic Ocean, Great Lakes region, and Gulf of Mexico.
Tunnel and Reservoir Plan (TARP)
The Tunnel and Reservoir Plan (TARP), managed by the MWRD, ranks among the largest civil engineering undertakings in the United States. It comprises more than 100 miles of tunnels, ranging from 9 to 33 feet in diameter, designed to mitigate flooding and control pollution. Phase 1, finalized in 2006, features 109.4 miles of deep tunnels with a storage capacity of 2.3 billion gallons, delivering considerable flood protection benefits.
TARP functions by holding combined sewer overflow (CSO) water until it can be fully treated at MWRD’s reclamation facilities, resulting in a reduction of annual CSO days from 100 to 50 since its inception. The second phase focuses on the development of three reservoirs that will provide an additional 18 billion gallons of storage capacity by the year 2029.
Since 1998, the Thornton quarry has been utilized by MWRD for TARP purposes, involving the extraction of over 152 billion pounds of dolomite limestone to form the Thornton Composite Reservoir, which has been operational since December 31, 2015. This reservoir operates in conjunction with disinfection systems at the Calumet Water Reclamation Plant to enhance water quality and diminish flooding risks.
The McCook Reservoir represents the concluding element of TARP: Stage 1 contributed 3.5 billion gallons of storage capacity as of December 31, 2017, while Stage 2 is projected to add an extra 6.5 billion gallons by 2029.
Stormwater Management Authority
In 2004, the Illinois General Assembly empowered the MWRD with stormwater management authority across Cook County, allowing it to tackle flooding issues on a regional scale. The MWRD Board of Commissioners adopted the Cook County Watershed Management Ordinance (WMO) in October 2013, which establishes consistent stormwater regulations aimed at preventing flooding caused by commercial, municipal, and residential developments. The WMO can be accessed at http://wmo.mwrd.org.
Disinfection
The MWRD Board approved the implementation of disinfection technology at the Calumet and North Side (O'Brien) Water Reclamation Plants in June 2011. By March 2012, after thorough assessment by a blue ribbon task force considering economic, environmental, and social factors, the most suitable disinfection methods were chosen. Construction for the O’Brien WRP facility commenced in September 2013 with backing from local and federal officials including former EPA Region 5 Administrator Susan Hedman and Illinois representatives.
Following a Chicago waterways tour in 2011, U.S. Senators Richard Durbin and Mark Kirk along with Congressman Mike Quigley expressed support for these projects. In April 2012, Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel, former Governor Pat Quinn, and the U.S. EPA provided $10 million through the Illinois Jobs Now! capital program to supplement $21 million allocated for engineering and design expenses. These disinfection initiatives not only enhanced water quality but also generated approximately 750 jobs during construction and operations phases. The construction phase was completed by December 2015, with disinfection systems becoming operational for the 2016 recreational season.
Resource Recovery
From its early days treating sewage as waste, MWRD has transitioned toward viewing it as a valuable resource for recovery and reuse. The agency is pioneering advancements in renewable energy and expanding reuse possibilities for algae, biosolids, reclaimed water, phosphorus, and various other nutrients extracted during treatment processes.
Algae
Algae naturally uptake phosphorus and nitrogen by utilizing sunlight in photosynthesis. This method presents an eco-friendly alternative to conventional chemical nutrient removal techniques in wastewater management. The MWRD is investigating a “vertical revolving” system for cultivating algae, which aims to minimize spatial requirements and streamline harvesting procedures. Algae have the capacity to eliminate at least half of the phosphorus content from wastewater and can be harvested for various applications such as bioplastics, biofuels, pharmaceuticals, fertilizers, and aquaculture feed. At the O’Brien Water Reclamation Plant (WRP), algae are being evaluated both as a nutrient removal agent and as a source of fertilizer, promoting nutrient recycling. The MWRD has the potential to generate 24 tons of algae daily, which could stimulate the Chicago regional economy by attracting bioplastic producers near treatment facilities and decreasing reliance on petroleum-based products. The agency supports cutting-edge research to advance algae technologies for practical use in urban wastewater nutrient management. The O’Brien WRP greenhouse employs revolving algae biofilm reactors developed by researchers at Iowa State University.
Biosolids
Biosolids represent a sustainable byproduct from water treatment processes that improve soil organic content and structure. Classified under the Illinois Environmental Protection Act of 2015 as both safe and beneficial, biosolids are now reused locally within Cook County instead of being transported over long distances. When air-dried, biosolids resemble finely textured topsoil and are applied to golf courses, sports fields, parks, and brownfield restoration projects. To enhance their value, the MWRD collaborates with the City of Chicago to co-compost biosolids with woodchips derived from municipal tree trimming and emerald ash borer-affected ash trees at a ratio of three parts woodchips to one part biosolids. The composting process occurs in windrows maintained above 131°F for a minimum of 15 days with five turnings according to USEPA guidelines, followed by four months of curing before the final product is screened and tested.
Water Reuse
The MWRD generates approximately 1.2 billion gallons of purified water daily and offers an introductory rate of $1 per thousand gallons for recycled water, subject to adjustment based on market dynamics. In partnership with American Water, the MWRD plans to deliver around 10 million gallons per day to industrial consumers who typically pay higher rates for fresh Lake Michigan water. This initiative supports conservation of regional freshwater supplies while reducing energy consumption associated with water delivery.
Furthermore, 15.1 million gallons of treated water are reused daily for activities such as pipeline flushing, motor cooling, centrate flushing, and tank cleaning. At the Stickney Water Reclamation Plant, 6 million gallons per day of treated effluent are reused, resulting in energy savings and cost reductions while alleviating pressure on potable water resources. The MWRD is actively exploring expanded reuse opportunities with large industrial clients in the Calumet and Stickney service areas to optimize cost efficiency and increase availability of fresh water for local communities.
Sewerthermal Energy
In 2010, the MWRD collaborated with the University of Illinois at Chicago to develop a sewerthermal energy system funded partially by an $87,500 grant from the Illinois Clean Energy Community Foundation, covering half of the $175,000 total project cost. This system was installed at the Kirie Water Reclamation Plant (WRP), which treats 52 million gallons daily and serves approximately 217,000 residents across 65.2 square miles. The technology reduces electricity consumption for heating and cooling by 25 to 50 percent while also lowering maintenance expenses.
This innovative approach harnesses heat from treated effluent maintained at a consistent minimum temperature of 55°F, supplying up to 40 percent of Kirie WRP’s heating and cooling requirements using only about 20 percent of the power needed by conventional systems. Unlike standard geothermal systems that extract heat from underground sources, this sewerthermal solution offers a scalable model for improving energy efficiency across other MWRD facilities, supporting both operational cost reductions and environmental sustainability objectives.
See also
- Centennial Fountain
- Illinois and Michigan Canal
- Jardine Water Purification Plant
- Lockport Powerhouse
- Chicago 1885 cholera epidemic myth