Community Action

You can help prevent flooding and protect water quality!

Honeybees on the pink flowers of a swamp milkweed plant

Native Landscaping

Native landscaping can help reduce flooding, protect water quality and provide habitat for wildlife.

A drug and medication disposal drop box

Medication Disposal

When not disposed of properly, pharmaceuticals can end up in waterways. You can help keep pharmaceuticals from entering our waterways by disposing of unwanted medicine properly at the locations listed on this page.

A coffe mug full of road salt

Go Easy on the Salt

Road salt can help with icy roads, but it can also harm our waterways. Using the right amount of salt can make a big difference for our waterways.

A rain barrel on a wooden stand next to a house with a hose running to a tree

Rain Barrels

We have rain barrels for sale for a low price, delivery included. Rain barrels capture rainwater from your roof and save it for later use.

Group photo of Community Partnership Council during an event at Calumet Park Beach

Environmental Justice

The MWRD values the communities we serve and we prioritize environmental justice, fair treatment and meaningful involvement in our work.

A flooded street

What You Should Do During Flooding

During flooding you should find the source of the water, notify your municipality, and use FEMA’s guidance for documenting damage and safe clean up.

Tow engineers discussing project plants with detailed documents on the wall

MWRD Careers

Go to the online www.DistrictJobs.org to explore career opportunities and sign up to receive notifications for future examinations.

A man holds a largeouth bass on a boat

Fish Species in the Chicago Area Waterway System

The fish population in the Chicago Area Waterway System has improved dramatically since we first started tracking it in the early 1970s.

The Green Neighbor Guide

Green Neighbor Guide

Our Green Neighbor Guide has information residents can use to get started with green infrastructure

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