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Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago @mwrdgc.bsky.social · 14h

📷 Excavation during construction of the North Branch Pumping Station, located on the North Branch of the Chicago River at Lawrence Avenue, on September 15, 1928. 🖥️ Join our virtual tour on Tuesday, October 13, at 2 p.m.: mwrd.org/education/tours/virtual-to…

Black and white photo showing excavation during construction of the North Branch Pumping Station on September 15, 1928. A large steam-powered excavator is digging a deep pit, with workers nearby. The site is located on the North Branch of the Chicago River at Lawrence Avenue in Chicago. The pumping station was completed in 1929 and began service in 1930. Buildings and trees are visible in the background.

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Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago @mwrdgc.bsky.social · 23h

Thank you to the La Grange Fire Department for hosting us this National Fire Prevention Week and reminding us of the value of water! #FirePreventionWeek

Two firefighters in full gear stand on a street holding a hose, facing a large, intense fire with thick black smoke rising from a demonstration setup labeled 'FIRE SPRINKLER PROTECTED,' surrounded by trees and buildings in the background.

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Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago @mwrdgc.bsky.social · 09/10/2026

Join us virtually on Wednesday at 10:30 a.m. for the Poplar Creek and Upper Salt Creek Watershed Planning Council Meeting. ➡️ Illinois Emergency Management Agency's Grant Offerings Details and virtual meeting link: mwrd.org/events/poplar-usc-wpc-q4 Learn more: mwrd.org/wpc

Quarterly Watershed Planning Council Meeting promotional graphic for the Upper Salt Creek and Poplar Creek Watersheds. The event is scheduled for Wednesday, October 14, 2026, at 10:30 AM as a virtual event. The graphic includes a map highlighting the relevant watersheds in Cook County and encourages viewers to stay updated on MWRD projects, ordinance revisions, maintenance work, and local stormwater issues. The website mwrd.org/wpc is provided for more information.

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Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago @mwrdgc.bsky.social · 09/10/2026

📷 Work on the North Side Intercepting Sewer on June 21, 1926, looking northwest at Wilson and Virginia Avenues in Chicago, with the Wilson Avenue bridge over the North Branch of the Chicago River visible at left. 🖥️ Join our virtual tour on October 13: mwrd.org/education/tours/virtual-to…

Black and white photo taken on June 21, 1926, during work on a section of the North Side Intercepting Sewer. The view looks northwest at the intersection of Wilson and Virginia Avenues in Chicago. Construction materials and a man in a suit stand in the foreground. The Wilson Avenue bridge over the North Branch of the Chicago River is visible on the left, with early 20th-century cars and houses lining the tree-shaded streets in the background.

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Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago @mwrdgc.bsky.social · 08/10/2026

From Savanna to Sycamore and downstate Benton to Cook County, thanks to the many dedicated Illinois General Assembly members who toured our Stickney Water Reclamation Plant and TARP facilities to join us in our mission to protect our water environment and manage stormwater!

Group of people posing by a large water reservoir with steep rock walls under a clear sky.

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Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago @mwrdgc.bsky.social · 08/10/2026

Check out the October 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 #Community #Events #Research

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Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago @mwrdgc.bsky.social · 08/10/2026

Historical Photo of the Day: Construction of the O'Brien Water Reclamation Plant (WRP) in Skokie on October 15, 1925. Request an in-person tour of the O’Brien WRP for your community or school group ⬇️ mwrd.org/education/tours 🏗💧💩🧪🧫🔬🌊🌞

Black and white photo showing the construction of the O'Brien Water Reclamation Plant (WRP) in Skokie on October 15, 1925. Steel beams and concrete structures are visible, with workers and equipment on site. The facility, originally known as North Side, began operation in 1928 as a model for modern sewage treatment technology and now serves over 1.3 million people in a 143-square-mile area including Chicago north of Fullerton Avenue and 17 northern Cook County suburbs.

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Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago @mwrdgc.bsky.social · 07/10/2026

Join us virtually on Thursday at 9:00 a.m. for the Little Calumet River Watershed Planning Council Meeting. • @ilepa.bsky.social Grant Offerings • MWRD Stormwater Workshop: Summary and Takeaways Details and virtual meeting link: mwrd.org/events/littl... Learn more: mwrd.org/wpc

MWRD Quarterly Watershed Planning Council Meeting promotional graphic for the Little Calumet River Watershed. The meeting is scheduled for Thursday, October 8, 2026, at 9:00 a.m. as a virtual event. The image includes a map highlighting the Little Calumet River Watershed area and lists topics such as MWRD projects, ordinance revisions, maintenance work, stormwater issues, and updates from other agencies. The website mwrd.org/wpc is provided for more information.

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Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago @mwrdgc.bsky.social · 07/10/2026

The MWRD will break ground Thursday, Oct. 8, at 11 a.m. on the Battery E project at the O’Brien Water Reclamation Plant in Skokie. The nearly $400 million investment will modernize aging infrastructure, improve treatment processes and help protect downstream water quality. mwrd.org/news/mwrd-ho...

Aerial view of the Terrence J. O’Brien Water Reclamation Plant in Skokie, Illinois, featuring the plant’s historic brick building and surrounding treatment infrastructure. Text overlay announces that the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago (MWRD) will host a groundbreaking ceremony for the Battery E project at the plant, with event details and the MWRD seal included.

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Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago @mwrdgc.bsky.social · 07/10/2026

📣 Final weeks on Wednesdays! 🌳 Help us Restore the Canopy by planting a free native oak sapling from the MWRD. Pick up a free sapling at an MWRD water reclamation plant. Available every Wednesday through Oct. 28 from 9 a.m. to noon. Learn more: mwrd.org/community-ac...

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 · 06/10/2026

📷 View to the east showing construction of the Ashland Avenue bridge over the South Branch of the Chicago River on August 22, 1902. 🖥️ Join our virtual tour on Tuesday, October 13, at 2 p.m. to learn how the MWRD improves our water environment: mwrd.org/education/tours/virtual-to…

Black and white photo showing the construction of the Ashland Avenue bridge over the South Branch of the Chicago River on August 22, 1902. The partially completed bridge, built by the Sanitary District (now MWRD), extends over the river with workers visible on and beneath the structure. The bridge was opened to traffic in January 1903. Industrial buildings and a control house are visible in the background.

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Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago @mwrdgc.bsky.social · 05/10/2026

Join us for the 14th Annual Sustainability Summit! 🗓️ October 22 from 10 a.m. - noon 📍 The Town of Cicero Community Center, 4936 W. 23rd St., Cicero, IL Details and registration: mwrd.org/events/14th-...

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Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago @mwrdgc.bsky.social · 05/10/2026

Thank you for your question. Our virtual tours are intended for a general audience, so we don’t cover the detailed criteria you’re seeking. The MWRD partners with local governments on many green infrastructure projects & evaluates them based on ordinances and other criteria: mwrd.org/stormwater/g...

mwrd.org

Green Infrastructure Partnership Program | MWRD

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Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago @mwrdgc.bsky.social · 05/10/2026

ICYMI CNN: "From 'great open sewer' to swimming spot: How the #ChicagoRiver was saved" #MWRD President Kari K. Steele & Friends of the Chicago River Executive Director Margaret Frisbie share their perspectives on this vital waterway. Watch the #CNN report at MWRD.org/News ow.ly/vzGW50ZUAJY

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Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago @mwrdgc.bsky.social · 05/10/2026

📷 Excavation for the Chicago Sanitary and Ship Canal in the 1890s in an area southwest of Willow Springs. 🖥️ 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…

Black and white photo showing excavation for the Chicago Sanitary and Ship Canal in the 1890s in an area southwest of Willow Springs. The scene includes muddy ground, construction equipment, and two men standing on a dirt path. Approximately 43 million cubic yards of material were excavated during the construction of the canal, which was the largest ever public works excavation project at the time.

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Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago @mwrdgc.bsky.social · 04/10/2026

📷 A view from the Adams Street bridge on April 27, 1904, showing Pennsylvania Railroad buildings on the South Branch of the Chicago River. 🖥️ Join our virtual tour on Tuesday, October 13, at 2 p.m.: mwrd.org/education/tours/virtual-to…

A black and white photo taken on April 27, 1904, looking south from the Adams Street bridge. The image shows Pennsylvania Railroad buildings on the west side of the South Branch of the Chicago River. In the background, the Jackson Boulevard bridge and the Metropolitan West Side Elevated Railroad bridge are visible. Horse-drawn wagons and railroad cars line the riverbank next to the industrial buildings.

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Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago @mwrdgc.bsky.social · 03/10/2026

Plant milkweed to help reduce flooding and support monarchs. Milkweed provides habitat for monarch caterpillars, while its deep roots can help absorb and retain stormwater. 🐛 Pick up milkweed seeds on Saturday: 📍Flossmoor 📍Brookfield ow.ly/EnQi50ZU5t5 🦋 ow.ly/Pz2650ZU5t6

A packet of common milkweed seeds sits on soil surrounded by gardening tools and a small pile of seeds. The text reads: "Plant Milkweed. Reduce Flooding & Help Monarchs Take Flight." The image promotes planting milkweed to support monarch butterflies and manage stormwater. The website mwrd.org is displayed in the bottom right corner.

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Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago @mwrdgc.bsky.social · 03/10/2026

Historical Photo of the Day: Construction of the O’Brien Water Reclamation Plant (WRP) pump and blower building foundation on May 17, 1926. Schedule a tour of O’Brien WRP for your community or school group ⬇️ mwrd.org/education/tours 🏗💧💩🧪🧫🔬🌊🌞

Black and white historical photo showing the construction of the O’Brien Water Reclamation Plant (WRP) pump and blower building foundation on May 17, 1926. Workers are seen building concrete forms and reinforcing steel in a large excavation site. Originally named North Side, the treatment plant has been in operation since 1928, treating wastewater from communities north of downtown Chicago.

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Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago @mwrdgc.bsky.social · 02/10/2026

📜 Whereas, in the United States, more than 700 women are diagnosed with breast cancer every day. Whereas, the MWRD salutes all the women and men diagnosed with breast cancer. Sponsored by the MWRD Board of Commissioners MWRD.org/BOC #BreastCancer

Graphic recognizing October as National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, featuring an MWRD Board of Commissioners resolution dated Oct. 1, 2026. A group photo of MWRD commissioners and staff appears on the resolution, surrounded by a pink background and pink ribbon.

A formal resolution document from the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago recognizing October as National Breast Cancer Awareness Month. The document highlights key statistics about breast cancer in the United States, acknowledges survivors, and expresses support for awareness and research. The resolution is dated October 1, 2026, and is signed by the Board of Commissioners. The image features a pink background and a pink ribbon, symbolizing breast cancer awareness.

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Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago @mwrdgc.bsky.social · 02/10/2026

📷 A view to the north showing the 8-Track Rail bridge over the Chicago Sanitary and Ship Canal near Western Avenue on July 5, 1910. The MWRD built the bridge between 1908 and 1910. 🖥️ Join our virtual tour on Tuesday, October 13, at 2 p.m. mwrd.org/education/tours/virtual-to…

A black and white historical photo taken on July 5, 1910, shows a view to the north of the 8-Track Rail bridge over the Chicago Sanitary and Ship Canal near Western Avenue. The bridge, built by the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District (MWRD) between 1908 and 1910, consists of four separate spans with two rail tracks each. The image captures the bridge’s steel structure and multiple rail lines, with industrial buildings visible in the background.

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Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago @mwrdgc.bsky.social · 01/10/2026

As we approach the 100th birthday of former Lithuanian President and EPA Region V. Administrator Valdas Adamkus, our Board of Commissioners presented a resolution to his former EPA colleague David Ullrich who plans to deliver it to him. We thank him a century of service!

Group of diverse professionals posing in a formal room, one man holding an official certificate or proclamation. The MWRD Board of Commissioners present a resolution to David Ullrich on behalf of Valdas Adamkus.

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Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago @mwrdgc.bsky.social · 01/10/2026

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 · 01/10/2026

📷 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 · 30/09/2026

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

Join us virtually at 10:30 a.m. “The Loop Biosolids Program: Five Decades of Beneficial Use in King County, Washington,”  Virtual: teams.microsoft.com/meet/2980836...

teams.microsoft.com

Join meeting on Teams

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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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