iiinova — where your digital self keeps evolving

Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago @mwrdgc.bsky.social · 1h

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. This month, we recognize those affected by breast cancer, encourage conversations about prevention and early detection, and support for individuals and families affected by the disease.

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

📷 A lumberyard on the east side of Stetson's Slip on June 12, 1903. The slip is located on the South Branch of the Chicago River, just south of Cermak Road between Laflin and Loomis Streets. 🖥️ Join our next virtual tour on October 13 at 2 p.m. ⬇️ mwrd.org/education/tours/virtual-to…

A black and white historical photograph taken on June 12, 1903, shows a lumberyard on the east side of Stetson's Slip along the South Branch of the Chicago River. Large stacks of lumber are piled near the riverbank, with several workers visible nearby. In the background, there are two large cylindrical industrial structures and a tall smokestack. The location is just south of Cermak Road, between Laflin Street and Loomis Street in Chicago.

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Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago @mwrdgc.bsky.social · 19h

Hosted annually by MWRD’s Diversity Section, the 2026 IMPACT Small Business Summit brought together small and diverse businesses, contractors, consultants, government agencies and industry leaders for a day of education, networking and relationship building. ow.ly/JyCa50ZTh5b #MWRD

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Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago @mwrdgc.bsky.social · 30/09/2026

Join us today at 6:00 p.m. for the Cal-Sag Channel Watershed Planning Council Meeting. 📍14700 S Ravinia Ave, Orland Park Learn about #MWRD projects, #stormwater issues, #watershed updates & the recent Stormwater Workshops. mwrd.org/events/cal-sag-wpc-q3 More: mwrd.org/wpc

Quarterly Watershed Planning Council Meeting for the Cal-Sag Channel Watershed. Join us on Wednesday, September 30, 2026, at 6:00 PM at Orland Park Village Hall, 14700 S Ravinia Ave. The graphic features a map of the Cal-Sag Channel Watershed and meeting details. Topics include MWRD project updates, ordinance revisions, maintenance work, stormwater issues, and updates from other agencies. Learn more at mwrd.org/wpc.

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Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago @mwrdgc.bsky.social · 30/09/2026

The #MWRD will hold its Board of Commissioners meeting in person at 10:30 a.m. on Thursday, October 1, 2026 at 100 E. Erie St., Chicago. Live stream mwrd.legistar.com/calendar.aspx mwrd.org/news/mwrd-board-commission… MWRD.org/BOC

MWRD Board of Commissioners meeting graphic. Commissioners: Kari K. Steele (President), Patricia Theresa Flynn (Vice President), Marcelino Garcia (Chairman of Finance), Precious Brady-Davis, Yumeka Brown, Cameron Davis, Beth McElroy Kirkwood, Eira L. Corral Sepulveda, Sharon Waller. The background features dark and light blue abstract shapes.

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Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago @mwrdgc.bsky.social · 30/09/2026

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

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Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago @mwrdgc.bsky.social · 30/09/2026

📷 Intercepting sewer construction in an unknown location on September 11, 1928. 📽 Learn how the MWRD improves our water environment, protects public health and builds flood resilience on our YouTube channel: youtu.be/__yXMrBYek4 🏗💧💩🧪🧫🔬🌊🌞

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Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago @mwrdgc.bsky.social · 29/09/2026

MWRD staff, commissioners and leaders are at WEFTEC this week: ⚜️ MWRD President Kari K. Steele was honored with the WEF Public Officials Award. ⚜️ We’re cheering on the Second City Sewer Crew in the Operations Challenge! ⚜️ Several talented MWRD scientists and engineers are sharing their research.

A map of the southern United States with a purple airplane and heart-shaped flight path leading to New Orleans, Louisiana. Overlaid is a photo of a diverse group of Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago (MWRD) staff smiling at a conference. Logos for MWRD, a fleur-de-lis, and WEFTEC appear at the bottom.

A collage featuring three photos from the WEF Awards 2026: MWRD President Kari K. Steele is being interviewed on camera, receives an award on stage, and a group photo of MWRD staff with the award. The right side of the graphic is green with a large, stylized fleur-de-lis. MWRD, fleur-de-lis, and WEFTEC logos are at the bottom.

A collage of three photos showing MWRD staff, competing together as the Second City Sewer Crew, is participating in the WEFTEC Operations Challenge at WEFTEC 2026. Staff are wearing blue shirts and working with lab equipment. The left side of the graphic is purple with a large stylized fleur-de-lis. MWRD, fleur-de-lis, and WEFTEC logos are at the bottom.

A collage featuring MWRD staff and leaders at WEFTEC 2026. Two photos show a group portrait of MWRD commissioners, staff and WEFTEC leaders and MWRD President Kari K. Steele outside the WEFTEC venue with MWRD staff. The right side of the graphic is green with a large stylized fleur-de-lis. MWRD, fleur-de-lis, and WEFTEC logos are at the bottom.

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Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago @mwrdgc.bsky.social · 29/09/2026

📷 Masons build a headhouse for the Calumet intercepting sewer system on the west bank of the Calumet River on June 13, 1923. 📽 Learn how the MWRD improves the water environment on our next virtual tour on October 13 ⬇️ mwrd.org/education/tours/virtual-to…

A photo from June 13, 1923, showing masons building a headhouse for the Calumet intercepting sewer system on the west bank of the Calumet River, near the present-day Chicago Skyway. Several workers are laying bricks and mixing mortar inside a partially constructed circular brick structure. Large vertical lift bridges are visible in the background—these bridges still exist today. The headhouse no longer exists.

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Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago @mwrdgc.bsky.social · 28/09/2026

ICYMI Northbrook Patch: The approximately 16-acre detention basin near Dee Road and Central Avenue will temporarily store stormwater during major rainfall events, reducing pressure on the area's existing drainage system. Learn more: ow.ly/Ozh950ZSkLT

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Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago @mwrdgc.bsky.social · 28/09/2026

Historical Photo of the Day: A northward view showing a nearly completed section of McCormick Boulevard between Howard and Oakton Streets in Skokie, Illinois, on September 7, 1926. Join our next virtual tour on October 13 ⬇️ mwrd.org/education/tours/virtual-to… 🏗💧💩🧪🧫🔬🌊🌞

A black and white photo taken on September 7, 1926, shows a northward view of a nearly completed section of McCormick Boulevard between Howard and Oakton Streets in Skokie, Illinois. The scene includes construction workers and equipment, with the O'Brien Water Reclamation Plant (WRP) under construction in the background to the east. Large concrete and steel structures, dirt roads, and smoke from a distant smokestack are visible.

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Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago @mwrdgc.bsky.social · 27/09/2026

Like the water we reclaim, everything from bicycles and stuffed animals to microwaves and encyclopedias were being recycled today at the Buffalo Grove Environmental Action Team’s Green Fair at Mike Rylko Community Park. Thank you to everyone’s commitment to #Sustainability

A family with mother and son and daughter hold an MWRD tree sapling.

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Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago @mwrdgc.bsky.social · 27/09/2026

Happy World Rivers Day! 🌊 We’re looking back at The Big Jump on Sept. 18 and celebrating the remarkable transformation of the Chicago River. The MWRD continues working to protect our waterways and improve water quality for generations to come. mwrd.org/what-we-do/protecting-wate…

A sunny view of the Chicago River in downtown Chicago during The Big Jump on Sept. 18, 2026. Participants jump and swim in the river alongside kayakers and safety personnel, while crowds watch from the riverwalk. The Dearborn Street Bridge and Chicago skyline, including Marina City, are visible in the background.

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Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago @mwrdgc.bsky.social · 27/09/2026

📷 A view of the west cofferdam for construction of the Chicago River Controlling Works on September 30, 1936. 📽 Learn how the MWRD improves our water environment, protects public health and builds flood resilience ⬇️ youtu.be/__yXMrBYek4 🏗💧💩🧪🧫🔬🌊🌞

A photo showing the west cofferdam under construction for the Chicago River Controlling Works (CRCW) on September 30, 1936. Large cranes and construction equipment are visible on barges in the river. The Chicago skyline and the under-construction DuSable Lake Shore Drive bridge appear in the background. The Metropolitan Water Reclamation District (MWRD) built the CRCW and Chicago Harbor Lock between 1936 and 1938, operating the lock until 1984 when the US Army Corps of Engineers took over.

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Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago @mwrdgc.bsky.social · 26/09/2026

📷 The Des Plaines River, viewed looking north from the Lake Street bridge in River Forest/Maywood, on October 18, 1921. ☎️ Please contact us if you see waterway blockages, suspicious dumping or notice odors: mwrd.org/community-action/report-wa…

Black and white photo of the Des Plaines River, viewed looking north from the Lake Street bridge in River Forest/Maywood on October 18, 1921. The riverbanks are cleared of underbrush from recent cleaning work. A person rows a small boat in the center of the river, surrounded by open fields and trees.

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Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago @mwrdgc.bsky.social · 25/09/2026

September is National Preparedness Month. Prepare for flooding before the next storm with the MWRD’s Flood Response Resource Guide, featuring steps to take before and after flooding, local resources and ways to help reduce flooding at home. Read the guide at mwrd.org/education/publications. #MWRD

Graphic for National Preparedness Month featuring a flood emergency checklist, a “To do!” notepad and MWRD’s Flood Response Resource Guide on a wooden surface. Text reads, “Prepare for flooding.” The guide provides steps for residents before, during and after a flood, along with local resources and contact information. The MWRD Board of Commissioners is listed at the bottom.

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Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago @mwrdgc.bsky.social · 25/09/2026

We are accepting applications until October 9, 2026 for the following jobs: • Accounting Manager • Associate Structural Engineer Apply to join a leading organization committed to protecting the environment in Cook County: jobapscloud.com/mwrd Learn more: mwrd.org/careers #MWRD #Chicago #jobs

A Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago graphic promoting new jobs features a smiling person wearing safety glasses and a hard hat standing in an industrial setting with a laptop. A white square outlined in blue with large blue text reads "Join Our Team!" and the bottom banner displays "MWRD.ORG/CAREERS" with social media icons.

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Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago @mwrdgc.bsky.social · 25/09/2026

Historical Photo of the Day: Construction of the Stickney Water Reclamation Plant (WRP) on January 11, 1928. Request an in-person tour of the Stickney WRP for your community or school group ⬇️ mwrd.org/education/tours 🏗💧💩🧪🧫🔬🌊🌞

Black and white historical photo showing the construction of the Stickney Water Reclamation Plant on January 11, 1928. The scene features cranes, construction materials, dirt piles, and partially built concrete structures spread across a large, open site. Steam rises in the background, and wooden walkways cross the muddy ground.

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Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago @mwrdgc.bsky.social · 24/09/2026

Historical Photo of the Day: Excavation for the Chicago Sanitary and Ship Canal on June 25, 1897. Learn about the work of the MWRD on our YouTube channel 📽⬇️ youtu.be/__yXMrBYek4

A photo showing large-scale excavation for the Chicago Sanitary and Ship Canal (CSSC) on June 25, 1897. Massive cranes and construction equipment are visible along the canal, with workers scattered throughout the site. The 28-mile-long CSSC, stretching from Damen Avenue in Chicago to north of 9th Street in Lockport, was built between 1892 and 1900. The MWRD later extended the canal by four miles and constructed the Lockport Powerhouse and Lock from 1903 to 1907.

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Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago @mwrdgc.bsky.social · 23/09/2026

Pollution Prevention Week reminds us that protecting our waterways starts with everyday actions. Properly dispose of medications, fats, oils, grease and household chemicals, and keep harmful materials out of our drains. Learn more: mwrd.org/community-action #MWRD #PollutionPreventionWeek

Graphic for Pollution Prevention Week featuring a blue lake and sandy beach. Large white text reads “Pollution Prevention Week” and “A Better Tomorrow Starts With Pollution Prevention Today.” The MWRD seal and Board of Commissioners are listed along the bottom.

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Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago @mwrdgc.bsky.social · 23/09/2026

Contract number 26-363-12: Public tender of bids for a 14-year lease on approximately 9 acres of district real estate located at 6400 Canal Bank Road, Forest View, Illinois, known as Main Channel Parcel 37.07 (re-bid) Visit: ow.ly/lvMQ50ZQLcU More: ow.ly/cj6p50ZQLcT #MWRD

A digital graphic with a blue background features a large, glowing dollar sign made of connected points and lines. The text reads: "Invitation to Bid." Below is the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago seal. The main section states: "Contract Number: 26-363-12. Public tender of bids for a 14-year lease on approximately 9 acres of district real estate located at 6400 Canal Bank Road, Forest View, Illinois, known as Main Channel Parcel 37.07 (re-bid)." Bid opening is October 13, 2026, at 11:00 AM. At the bottom, a yellow button displays the link: "mwrd.app/Cntrctann".

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Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago @mwrdgc.bsky.social · 23/09/2026

📷 Construction of a sewer in Evanston, Illinois, on November 2, 1917. 🖥️ Join our virtual tour on Tuesday, October 13, at 2 p.m. to learn how the MWRD improves our water environment, protects public health and builds flood resilience: mwrd.org/education/tours/virtual-to…

Black and white historical photo showing the construction of a section of sewer in Evanston, Illinois, on November 2, 1917. Several workers are seen building wooden supports in a deep trench, with a steam locomotive and construction equipment nearby. Leafless trees and a house are visible in the background.

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Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago @mwrdgc.bsky.social · 22/09/2026

Like the Chicago River Swim, the Big Jump provided an opportunity to showcase a waterway that has undergone a dramatic transformation from a previously polluted river system to one that now supports recreational opportunities, aquatic life & enhanced community engagement. ow.ly/5XhH50ZQkzz

MWRD President Kari K. Steele speaks at a podium beside the Chicago River, joined by event officials and Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson before the Big Jump event. A banner reading "Welcome to The Big Jump" is visible, highlighting the revitalization of the river.

Swimmers with orange safety buoys participate in the Chicago River during The Big Jump event, with kayakers and city skyscrapers in the background. The event supports ALS research and youth swim education.

Participants leap into the Chicago River as part of The Big Jump, surrounded by spectators and kayakers. The event raises funds for ALS research and local youth swim instruction, set against the backdrop of downtown Chicago.

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Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago @mwrdgc.bsky.social · 22/09/2026

🍂 Welcome to fall! As summer wraps up, MWRD is looking back on a season of progress, from six wastewater treatment performance awards to new stormwater storage, flood-control projects, green infrastructure and 250 new oak saplings. Learn more at MWRD.org.

Graphic welcoming fall with oak leaves, acorns and a green background. The lower portion features the MWRD Board of Commissioners seal and lists 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.

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Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago @mwrdgc.bsky.social · 22/09/2026

📷 Construction of the MWRD’s 95th Street pumping station, viewed to the east from atop a gas tank on Baltimore Avenue just south of 95th Street in Chicago on June 5, 1924. 🖥️ Join our virtual tour on Tuesday, October 13, at 2 p.m.: mwrd.org/education/tours/virtual-to…

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Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago @mwrdgc.bsky.social · 21/09/2026

The $5.8 million project provides 11.8 acre-feet of storage, which is more than 3.8 million gallons, helping reduce the risk of flooding during heavy rain. Read more: ow.ly/gxvb50ZPKwg Learn more at ow.ly/ntHq50ZPKwh

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Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago @mwrdgc.bsky.social · 21/09/2026

The MWRD joined the Village of Morton Grove’s Sustainability Expo on Sept. 19! Commissioner Sharon Waller, staff from the Office of Chairman of Finance Marcelino Garcia and MWRD staff shared resources and connected with families about protecting our waterways and environment. #MortonGrove #MWRD

MWRD Commissioner Sharon Waller speaks with attendees at an informational table during the Morton Grove Sustainability Expo. Educational materials, brochures, pens and an interactive wheel are displayed on the table.

A woman and young girl smile for the camera while holding MWRD educational materials about native wildflowers and common milkweed at the Morton Grove Sustainability Expo. Other attendees and informational tables are visible in the background.

Attendees browse a table filled with informational brochures and pamphlets about water conservation, stormwater management, and environmental resources at the Morton Grove Sustainability Expo. People are engaged in conversation and picking up materials in a well-lit community room.

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Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago @mwrdgc.bsky.social · 21/09/2026

📷 Construction of the North Side intercepting sewer no. 4 on August 20, 1925. 📽 Learn how the MWRD improves our water environment, protects public health and builds flood resilience ⬇️ youtu.be/__yXMrBYek4 🏗💧💩🧪🧫🔬🌊🌞

Two men stand on large wooden beams above a deep trench at a construction site, surrounded by wooden supports and dirt piles. This historical photo shows the construction of the North Side intercepting sewer no. 4 on August 20, 1925. North Side intercepting sewer nos. 3 and 4 are the largest of the North Side intercepting sewers at 15 feet high, running along the North Shore Channel and McCormick Boulevard between Howard Street in Skokie and Argyle Street in Chicago.

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Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago @mwrdgc.bsky.social · 20/09/2026

Historical Photo of the Day: Construction and assembly of an electrical substation at the Stickney Water Reclamation Plant (WRP) on August 15, 1928. Request an in-person tour of the Stickney WRP for your community or school group ⬇️ mwrd.org/education/tours 🏗💧💩🧪🧫🔬🌊🌞

Construction and assembly of an electrical substation at the West Side Sewage Treatment Works (later renamed Stickney Water Reclamation Plant), on August 15, 1928. The black and white photo shows a busy construction site with steel framework rising in the background, a steam locomotive emitting smoke, early trucks and construction equipment, and workers scattered throughout the dirt lot.

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Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago @mwrdgc.bsky.social · 19/09/2026

📷 A view inside a section of nearly completed tunnel for the Calumet Intercepting Sewer on April 11, 1924. 🖥️ Join our virtual tour on October 13 to learn how the MWRD improves our water environment, protects public health and builds flood resilience: mwrd.org/education/tours/virtual-to…

A view inside a section of nearly completed tunnel for the Calumet Intercepting Sewer on April 11, 1924. The black and white photo shows a curved, concrete-lined tunnel with exposed rebar overhead, construction materials stacked along the sides, and two workers visible—one standing in the distance and another seated on bricks. The tunnel floor is lined with tracks and wooden planks.

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Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago @mwrdgc.bsky.social · 19/09/2026

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Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago @mwrdgc.bsky.social · 18/09/2026

The Big Jump. Tiny helpers. Cleaner waterways. As Chicagoans take part in The Big Jump into the Chicago River today, we’re looking back at yesterday’s International Microorganism Day and the microscopic partners that help make cleaner waterways possible. #ChicagoRiverSwim #ALS #Chicago

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Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago @mwrdgc.bsky.social · 18/09/2026

The MWRD joined @Nicor_Gas and local community partners on Sep. 16 for the Nicor Community Connection Resource Fair in Alsip, helping connect residents with valuable resources and information, including free groceries from Top Box Foods. Join us: MWRD.org/events

The top half of the image shows a woman standing behind a Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago (MWRD) table, which is covered with brochures, flyers, and informational materials at an indoor resource fair. The bottom half shows volunteers in green shirts and yellow vests distributing boxes of food or supplies outdoors under a tent, with cars and people in the background.

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Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago @mwrdgc.bsky.social · 18/09/2026

Join us for the MWRD Monitoring and Research Seminar on Friday, Sep. 25 at 10:30 a.m. “The Loop Biosolids Program: Five Decades of Beneficial Use in King County, Washington,” with Landon Reigelman, King County Department of Natural Resources and Parks. ow.ly/umWn50ZOS3N

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Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago @mwrdgc.bsky.social · 18/09/2026

📷 Construction of the Chicago Sanitary and Shipping Canal channel extension at Lockport on June 25, 1906. 🖥️ Join our virtual tour on October 13 to learn how the MWRD improves our water environment, protects public health and builds flood resilience: mwrd.org/education/tours/virtual-to…

A historical photo showing the construction of the Chicago Sanitary and Shipping Canal (CSSC) channel extension at Lockport on June 25, 1906. The view looks south toward the future site of the Butterfly Dam, which was built in 1907 to prevent downstream flooding in case of a failure of the channel extension structures, including the channel walls, powerhouse, or lock. Several workers and equipment are visible along the mostly dry canal bed, with bridges and wooden structures in the background.

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Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago @mwrdgc.bsky.social · 17/09/2026

Join the MWRD as we celebrate National Latino Heritage Month with “Pioneers of Change: Shaping the Future Together,” a conversation on community, opportunity and federal resources. 🗓️ Tuesday, Oct. 6 at noon 📍 100 E. Erie, #Chicago Register and learn more⁠: ow.ly/aKSX50ZOKNH #LatinoHeritage

Colorful flyer for MWRD’s National Latino Heritage Month event, featuring papel picado banners and event details. Text highlights “Pioneers of Change: Shaping the Future Together,” inviting the public to a conversation on community, opportunity, and federal resources on October 6, 2026, at noon, at the Barbara J. McGowan Main Office Building in Chicago. Includes MWRD seal and Board of Commissioners’ names.

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Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago @mwrdgc.bsky.social · 17/09/2026

Join us in 1 week for the 2026 IMPACT Small Business Summit! Advance registration is now closed, but walk-ins are welcome! Visit mwrd.org/SBS2026 🗓️ Thursday, September 24 • 8 AM - 2 PM 📍Malcolm X College, #Chicago #MWRD #IMPACTSummit

A graphic for the 2026 IMPACT Small Business Summit features the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago seal and bold text announcing “Countdown to IMPACT Small Business Summit 2026 – 1 Week Away!” Event details include Thursday, September 24, 2026, from 8:00 AM to 2:00 PM at Malcolm X College in Chicago. The flyer also displays a QR code, website link for more information, icons for social media platforms, and the hashtag #IMPACTSummit.

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Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago @mwrdgc.bsky.social · 17/09/2026

Historical Photo of the Day: A view to the northwest at the bridge at Harrison Street over the South Branch of the Chicago River on March 24, 1906. Learn how the MWRD improves our water environment, protects public health and builds flood resilience 📽⬇️ youtu.be/__yXMrBYek4

A black and white historical photo taken on March 24, 1906, shows a view to the northwest of the recently completed bridge at Harrison Street spanning the South Branch of the Chicago River. The bridge, one of 12 built by the MWRD over the Chicago River in the early 1900s, is surrounded by industrial buildings with tall smokestacks. The river below is partially covered with ice, and a bird is flying above the bridge.

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Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago @mwrdgc.bsky.social · 16/09/2026

New contract opportunities! • Contract number 26-624-11: Main Street Bridge Expansion Joint Replacement • Contract number 23-890-1S: Rehabilitation of Local Sewers Details: mwrd.app/Cntrctann Learn more: mwrd.org/doing-business/procurement-and-materials-management #MWRD #Chicago #contracts

Dark blue "Invitation to Bid" graphic from the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago. The design features a large, digital-style blue dollar sign made of glowing dots and lines in the upper left corner, with the MWRD seal centered above a blue box. The box contains white text: 'Contract number 26-624-11: Main Street Bridge Expansion Joint Replacement.' Bid opening date is October 13, 2026, at 11:00 AM. A yellow button at the bottom displays the link mwrd.app/Cntrctann.

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Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago @mwrdgc.bsky.social · 16/09/2026

The #MWRD will hold its Board of Commissioners meeting in person at 10:30 a.m. on Thursday, September 17, 2026 at 100 E. Erie St., Chicago. Live stream mwrd.legistar.com/calendar.aspx mwrd.org/news/mwrd-board-commission… MWRD.org/BOC

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Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago @mwrdgc.bsky.social · 16/09/2026

Historical Photo of the Day: Sewer construction along Iowa Street in River Forest, Illinois, on May 13, 1922, looking west from Lathrop Street. Learn how the MWRD improves our water environment, protects public health and builds flood resilience 📽⬇️ youtu.be/__yXMrBYek4

Black and white historical photo showing a view of sewer construction along Iowa Street in River Forest, Illinois, on May 13, 1922. The image looks west from Lathrop Street and features an open cut trench running down the center of Iowa Street, with workers and construction equipment visible in the distance, surrounded by rows of trees on both sides.

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Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago @mwrdgc.bsky.social · 15/09/2026

MWRD, South Holland and Cook County celebrate completion of Thorn Ditch flood mitigation project on Sep. 15 at Maicach Park in South Holland, Ill. The $5.8 million initiative replaced existing culverts and constructed stormwater storage at Maicach Park and Pioneer Park. MWRD.org/Stormwater

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Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago @mwrdgc.bsky.social · 15/09/2026

Today marks the start of National Latino Heritage Month, celebrated from September 15 through October 15. The MWRD recognizes the rich heritage, diverse cultures and lasting contributions of Latino communities across our region.

Colorful papel picado banners with butterfly designs hang across a purple background. Large yellow text in the center reads, “The MWRD Celebrates National Latino Heritage Month.” At the bottom, the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago seal appears next to a list of Board of Commissioners members’ names. The design is festive and honors Latino Heritage Month.

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Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago @mwrdgc.bsky.social · 15/09/2026

Historical Photo of the Day: Construction of an aeration tank at the O’Brien Water Reclamation Plant in Skokie, Illinois, on August 5, 1924. Request an in-person tour for your community or school group ⬇️ mwrd.org/education/tours 🏗💧💩🧪🧫🔬🌊🌞

A photo showing the construction of an aeration tank at the O’Brien Water Reclamation Plant (WRP) in Skokie, Illinois, on August 5, 1924. Several workers are building large concrete and steel structures surrounded by rebar and water. The O’Brien WRP, completed in 1928 to serve communities north of downtown Chicago, now serves over 1.3 million people in a 143-square-mile area and treats an average of 230 million gallons of wastewater per day, with a capacity of 450 mgd.

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Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago @mwrdgc.bsky.social · 14/09/2026

Space to Grow schoolyards boost physical activity and wellness, support outdoor learning, reduce neighborhood flooding, connect children with nature, and engage communities with local schools. Read more: ow.ly/lsyj50ZNvUH Healthy Schools Campaign Chicago Public Schools

Aerial view of a redesigned Chicago schoolyard (Farmer Elementary) featuring a large green soccer field, colorful basketball courts, and blue play areas. The schoolyard includes native gardens and walking paths, surrounded by trees and buildings. Overlaid text highlights the Space to Grow program’s community-led process for transforming schoolyards. Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago branding and website are visible at the bottom.

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Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago @mwrdgc.bsky.social · 14/09/2026

The $5.8 million initiative replaced existing culverts and constructed stormwater storage at Maicach Park and Pioneer Park. The project provides 11.8 acre-feet of stormwater storage, equivalent to more than 3.8 million gallons. Fifty trees were also planted. More: ow.ly/92il50ZNs48

A newly completed flood mitigation project at Thorn Ditch in South Holland, Illinois, featuring a pedestrian bridge over a restored waterway, landscaped banks, and nearby residential homes. Text below announces a ribbon cutting event celebrating the project’s completion, hosted by the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago, the Village of South Holland, and Cook County at Maicach Park on September 15, 2026.

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Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago @mwrdgc.bsky.social · 14/09/2026

Historical Photo of the Day: Excavation for a section of intercepting sewer in an unknown location on February 14, 1928. Learn how the MWRD improves our water environment, protects public health and builds flood resilience 📽⬇️ youtu.be/__yXMrBYek4 🏗💧💩🧪🧫🔬🌊🌞

Black and white historical photo showing several workers excavating a tunnel for a section of intercepting sewer in an unknown location on February 14, 1928. The workers are using shovels and tools inside the arched, rocky tunnel, with equipment visible overhead.

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Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago @mwrdgc.bsky.social · 13/09/2026

📜 Whereas, on September 13, 2026, the Little Village Chamber of Commerce will sponsor its annual Mexican Independence Day Parade ... a tribute to the unbreakable bond of our community ... Now, therefore, be it resolved, that we ... do hereby recognize September 16th as Mexican Independence Day ...

A formal resolution document from the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago recognizing September 16th as Mexican Independence Day that highlights the historical significance of Mexican Independence Day, the end of the War of Independence, and the annual parade sponsored by the Little Village Chamber of Commerce. The document is dated September 2026 and lists the Board of Commissioners at the bottom. The layout features gold and blue text, the MWRD seal, and a blue border.

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Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago @mwrdgc.bsky.social · 13/09/2026

🌳 Help us Restore the Canopy by planting a free native oak sapling from the MWRD. There’s still time to pick up a free sapling at an MWRD water reclamation plant. Saplings are available every Wednesday through Oct. 28 from 9 a.m. to noon. Learn more: ow.ly/OQ8850ZMclG

Graphic promoting MWRD’s Restore the Canopy, Plant a Tree program. The graphic features a free sapling brochure and illustrations of four oak varieties available in 2026: bur, pin, red and swamp white oak. Text reads “Free Oak Trees!”

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Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago @mwrdgc.bsky.social · 13/09/2026

📷 The South Branch of the Chicago River and Metropolitan West Side Elevated Railroad bridge, looking northwest from the Van Buren Street bridge, on February 14, 1902. Learn how the MWRD improves our water environment 📽⬇️ youtu.be/__yXMrBYek4 🏗💧💩🧪🧫🔬🌊🌞

Black and white historical photo taken on February 14, 1902, showing the South Branch of the Chicago River with ice floating on the water. The image looks northwest from the Van Buren Street bridge and features the Metropolitan West Side Elevated Railroad bridge and industrial buildings in the background.

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