River North in Chicago in Cook County, Illinois — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)
Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago's Wastewater System
Civil Engineering Monument of the Millennium
Photographed by Sean P. Flynn, October 18, 2023
1. Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago's Wastewater System Marker
Designated: September 19, 2001
Erected by American Society of Civil Engineers.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Bridges & Viaducts • Environment • Waterways & Vessels. In addition, it is included in the ASCE Civil Engineering Landmarks series list. A significant historical date for this entry is September 19, 2001.
Location. 41° 53.655′ N, 87° 37.506′ W. Marker is in Chicago, Illinois, in Cook County. It is in River North. It is on East Erie Street east of Rush Street. The marker is one of several next to the entrance to the headquarters of the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 100 East Erie Street, Chicago IL 60611, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker is in the American Midwest and on the Great Lakes. Globally, it is in North America, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once the Viceroyalty of New France, the territory of the Mississippian Culture, and the Northwest Territory.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: The Metropolitan Sanitary District of Greater Chicago (here, next to this marker); Sidestream Elevated Pool Aeration Project (here, next to this marker); Cyrus Hall McCormick (within shouting distance of this marker); McCormick Double House (within shouting distance
this page online
More about this marker. A more extensive memorial related to Chicago's wastewater system's recognition as an ASCE "Monument of the Millennium" can be found about a mile southeast of here, at the mouth of the Chicago River on its south bank. Embedded into that memorial is an identical plaque to this one.
Regarding Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago's Wastewater System. The Metropolitan Water Reclamation District (MWRD) of Greater Chicago, formed in 1889 as the Sanitary District of Chicago, most famously is responsible for reversing the flow of the Chicago River away from Lake Michigan, helping improve drinking water quality and reduce waterborne illness.
Related marker. Click here for another marker that is related to this marker. Monument of the Millennium marker at the mouth of the Chicago River
Also see . . .
Photographed by Sean P. Flynn
2. HQ of Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago
Several markers about landmarks dedicated by the American Society of Civil Engineers are affixed to the left of the main entrance.
Excerpt: "The Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago (MWRD) has been improving the environment and protecting public health since it was formed as the Sanitary District of Chicago in 1889. While our operations have expanded and mission evolved, many of our goals remain the same. As new challenges emerge, the work of the MWRD continues to evolve to benefit the environment."(Submitted on October 29, 2025, by Sean P. Flynn of Oak Park, Illinois.)
Credits. This page was last revised on October 30, 2025. It was originally submitted on October 29, 2025, by Sean P. Flynn of Oak Park, Illinois. This page has been viewed 65 times since then and 23 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on October 29, 2025, by Sean P. Flynn of Oak Park, Illinois.
