The Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago (MWRD) is a government agency responsible for managing wastewater treatment and stormwater management in the Chicago metropolitan area. The agency was established in 1889 to address issues related to flooding and sewage disposal in the burgeoning city. Today, the MWRD operates seven wastewater treatment plants that serve over 10 million people, making it the largest wastewater treatment system in the world. In addition to treating wastewater, the MWRD is responsible for managing stormwater in Cook County, which includes Chicago and numerous surrounding suburbs. The MWRD is committed to protecting public health and the environment by treating wastewater to stringent standards and removing pollutants from stormwater before it enters local waterways. The agency also promotes sustainability through innovative initiatives such as nutrient recovery, which converts wastewater into fertilizer, and green infrastructure, which uses natural systems to manage stormwater. The MWRD is governed by a board of nine elected commissioners who serve six-year terms. The agency is funded by property taxes and user fees, and operates with a mission to provide cost-effective, sustainable, and reliable services to its customers while protecting the public health and the environment.