MWRD Commissioner Beth McElroy Kirkwood

🌈 Pride Month is officially underway at the MWRD! We proudly raised the Pride flag at our Main Office Building and Water Reclamation Plants as a symbol of inclusion, visibility, and support for the LGBTQ+ community.

Following the flag-raising ceremonies, we were honored to hear inspiring remarks from Mary DeBacker, former FEMA Field Operations Chief; Chicago Alderwoman Maria Hadden; and Cook County Commissioner Maggie Trevor. Their powerful stories highlighted the importance of representation, resilience, and ensuring that every voice has a seat at the table.

As we celebrate Pride Month, we recognize that the ultimate goal is a future where opportunity, acceptance, and representation are so commonplace that there are no more “firsts” to celebrate.

Here’s to building stronger, more inclusive communities together. Happy Pride Month! 🌈✨

☀️ Summer is just around the corner, and I’m excited to share the June edition of my newsletter!

As we welcome a season of sunshine, community events, and new opportunities, this month’s newsletter highlights recent accomplishments, upcoming events, and important updates from across our community.

Thank you for your continued support and engagement. It is an honor to serve you, and I appreciate the opportunity to stay connected. I look forward to working together and building on our progress in the months ahead.

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Happy 137th Birthday, MWRD! 🎉💧

A beautiful day at the Calumet Water Reclamation Plant celebrating 137 years of protecting public health, improving water quality, and serving the residents of Cook County.

Thank you to the dedicated employees, commissioners, partners, and communities who have helped make MWRD a leader in environmental stewardship and innovation. Here’s to honoring our proud history and continuing our mission for generations to come.

For 137 years, the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago has been dedicated to protecting public health, improving water quality, and investing in the future of Cook County communities.

Since 1889, the MWRD has led groundbreaking efforts from reversing the flow of the Chicago River to advancing modern water treatment, stormwater management, and green infrastructure projects that protect our waterways every day.

Thank you to our hardworking employees, valued partners, and the communities we proudly serve for being part of 137 years of progress, innovation, and impact. Here’s to continuing the work for generations to come!

A beautiful Chicago tradition is back! ⛲🌊

Today we celebrated the reopening of the Nicholas J. Melas Centennial Fountain, one of the city’s most iconic landmarks along the Chicago River. As the fountain once again sends water soaring into the skyline, it serves as a reminder of the importance of protecting and investing in our waterways for future generations.

Thank you to everyone who joined us to mark this special occasion and celebrate another summer in the heart of Chicago! 💙

🇺🇸 Team Kirkwood wishes everyone a safe, relaxing, and meaningful Memorial Day weekend. As we enjoy time with family and friends, we also pause to honor and remember the brave men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to our country. Their courage and sacrifice will never be forgotten. ❤️🤍💙

MWRD Vice President Theresa Flynn and Commissioner Beth McElroy Kirkwood proudly congratulate Tim Gallagher of Local Pipefitters Union 597 on his retirement after an incredible 44 years of hard work, leadership, and dedication.

Tim’s commitment to organized labor and public service has made a lasting impact through his work alongside the MWRD and the Labor Coalition Council Board. His years of advocacy, collaboration, and support for working families and communities across Cook County will not be forgotten.

Wishing Tim a well-deserved retirement filled with happiness, relaxation, and new adventures. Thank you for your decades of service and commitment! 👏🍾🎉

Team Kirkwood had a great time connecting with the community this week at the Orland Township Senior Fair and the Des Plaines Resource & Food Night!

We loved meeting residents, sharing MWRD resources, and engaging with so many amazing community members and organizations. Thank you to everyone who stopped by our table. We’re always grateful for the opportunity to support and serve our communities! 💙

During National Public Works Week, we recognize the dedicated public works professionals who help keep our communities safe, healthy, and resilient.

At the MWRD, our employees work every day to manage stormwater, treat wastewater, maintain critical infrastructure, and protect the waterways of Cook County. From engineers and plant operators to maintenance crews, scientists, and administrative staff, public works is a team effort that supports millions of residents.

Thank you to all public works employees for your service and commitment.

Learn more: mwrd.org/what-we-do.