page_title: Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago
section_title: Responsibilities and programs
hierarchical_section_title: Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago / Responsibilities and programs
caption_attribution_description: English: Stickney Water Reclamation Plant (Sewage treatment plant). The Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago operates the largest wastewater treatment plant in the world, the Stickney Water Reclamation Plant in Stickney, Illinois, in addition to six other plants and 23 pumping stations.
context_page_description: The Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago, originally known as the Sanitary District of Chicago, is a special-purpose district chartered to operate in Cook County, Illinois since 1889. Although its name may imply otherwise, it is not a part of the City of Chicago's local government but is created by Illinois state government with an elected Board of Commissioners. The MWRD's main purposes are the reclamation and treatment of wastewater and flood water abatement in Cook County to protect the health and safety of citizens and of area waterways. In 1900, the District notably reversed the flow of the Chicago River, and it is currently involved in the large multi-decade construction of the "Deep Tunnel" and/or Tunnel and Reservoir Plan.
context_section_description: The District's territory covers approximately 91% of land area and 98% of the valuation of Cook County, Illinois; and, unlike other sanitary districts, the district has the power to operate facilities outside its boundaries. It serves an area of 883 square miles (2,290 km²) which covers the City of Chicago and 125 suburban municipalities. The District’s 560 miles (900 km) of intercepting sewer mains are linked to approximately 10,000 local connections. The MWRD employs nearly 2,000 people.
caption: Stickney Water Reclamation Plant
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