The International Water Association (IWA) has recognized the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago (MWRD) for its “inspiring” Climate Action Plan (CAP).

The IWA Climate Smart Utilities Recognition Programme honored the MWRD for its CAP, placing it among the top three finalists under the Achiever category out of a field of more than 90 water utilities that applied from across the globe. Formally adopted in 2023, the CAP serves as a guide toward meeting greenhouse gas emission reductions and highlights the MWRD’s ongoing work to adapt to the effects of climate change, increased rainfall and challenges in managing wastewater and stormwater. View the plan. 

“Thank you to the International Water Association for honoring our climate action plan and our scientists, engineers and staff working around the clock to identify and meet these climate action goals that will serve to protect our water environment and strengthen our planet over this century,” said MWRD President Kari K. Steele. “Our Board of Commissioners and MWRD staff remain committed to meeting international standards in reducing carbon emissions and delivering meaningful, comprehensive plans to adapt to the effects of climate change."

As part of this recognition, MWRD Principal Environmental Scientist Kuldip Kumar gave a presentation on the MWRD’s Climate Action Plan at a special session on Climate Smart Utilities at the IWA’s World Water Congress and Exhibition in Toronto, Canada in August. 

The 2024 recognition program raises awareness for the ambitious and innovative steps that water and wastewater utilities are taking to respond to climate change. These utilities are leading the way in lowering carbon emissions and embracing the shift needed to adapt to and mitigate climate change, officials said.

“Water utilities are the first line of defense for many communities facing the impacts of climate change,” said Austin Alexander, vice president for Sustainability and Social Impact at Xylem. “We are excited to share the stories of these utility companies around the world, which are leading through the implementation of innovative climate mitigation and adaptation strategies. The IWA Climate Smart Utilities Recognition Programme is a powerful platform to shine a light on those efforts and the scale of progress being made.”

In its application, the IWA asked applicants to identify how their respective utilities were meeting climate action through adaptation, mitigation and leadership. The MWRD demonstrates leadership and commitment in advancing research on greenhouse gas emissions while fostering collaboration at regional, national, and international levels. As a Climate Smart Utility, it engages citizens and urban planners as partners in combating climate change. Central to the MWRD's strategy is a robust climate action plan that integrates adaptation, greenhouse gas mitigation, and a commitment to leadership on regional and international levels.

Since outlining its roadmap to lower its carbon footprint, the MWRD is already meeting its initial goals of reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 28 percent compared to 2005 baseline levels. The MWRD experienced reductions of 27 percent in 2022 and 36 percent in 2023, compared to the 2005 baseline. These advancements underscore the effectiveness of having a plan and the efforts made by the MWRD and electricity suppliers. 

“This progress reflects the dedication of the MWRD to proactively address climate change and implement impactful mitigation measures,” said MWRD Commissioner Eira L. Corral Sepúlveda. “Despite so many challenges and differences throughout the world, it is reassuring to know that so many utilities from across the world are answering the call for climate resilience and developing creative strategies to lower carbon footprints and adapt to global warming and climate change.” 

As climate change continues to manifest in northern Illinois, the region faces the prospect of more frequent and intense storms, amplifying the risk of urban flooding. The MWRD has implemented a multifaceted approach to climate resilience, with a primary focus on adaptation through its Tunnel and Reservoir Plan (TARP). Additionally, the MWRD has taken proactive steps in stormwater management, partnering on nearly 250 projects aimed at protecting almost 19,000 homes and facilities. These projects employ a mix of gray and green infrastructure, ranging from massive reservoirs to permeable parking lots and green alleys.

Applicants were divided into two categories. The Entrant category is for utilities starting their climate action work, while the Achiever category in which the MWRD was part of, is for utilities more advance on the journey toward climate action. The MWRD was one of the applicants acknowledged as ‘Most Inspiring’ by the jury as “they are particularly inspiring and ambitious considering their local context,” IWA officials said.

Learn more about the IWA Climate Smart Utilities Recognition Programme