The Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago (MWRD) is celebrating the 100-year anniversary of its Calumet Water Reclamation Plant and Cal-Sag Channel — two major pieces of Cook County’s water infrastructure.
“We celebrate the work of those before us who introduced transformative environmental protections which lead to recreational opportunities, industrial growth, and community and economic development throughout the region,” said MWRD Commissioner Kimberly Du Buclet. “Our region has come a long way and we are still pursuing an even better quality of life for the residents that live and work here.”
Within the span of a month in 1922, MWRD — then known as the Sanitary District of Chicago — completed two monumental engineering feats to protect the health of the region and local water quality. A century later, the Calumet Water Reclamation Plant (WRP), Cal-Sag Channel, and reversal of the Calumet River system remain as pillars supporting public health and regional water environment.
The MWRD will mark this occasion at its 10th Annual Sustainability Summit to be held at the Ford Calumet Environmental Center, 11555 S. Stony Island Ave. in Chicago, on Friday, Oct. 21 at 10 a.m.
The 100th Anniversary of the Calumet WRP will be highlighted among several presentations with a photo exhibit and discussion, and members of the MWRD’s first Community Partnership Council will be announced to promote community engagement within the communities the WRP serves.
