MWRD welcomes delegation from Dubai Municipality at Stickney Water Reclamation Plant

August 21, 2024

In a display of international collaboration, the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago (MWRD) recently welcomed a delegation from Dubai Municipality to the Stickney Water Reclamation Plant (WRP) in Cicero, IL. Guests included H.E Dawoud Alhajeri, Director General of Dubai Municipality; Mr. Maha Altayyar, Head of Department, Director General Office Department; Mr. Fahad Alawadhi, Head of Department, Sewerage and Recycled Water Projects Department; Mr. Mohammed Alrayess, Director of Waste Strategy and Projects Department, Sewerage and Recycled Water Network Department; Ms. Fida Alhammadi, Head of Department, Strategy and Corporate Development Department; and Ms. Mouza Alari, Section Head, External Affairs.

MWRD President Kari K. Steele, Vice President Patricia Theresa Flynn, Commissioner Dan Pogorzelski and plant staff led the visit, underscoring the importance of global partnerships in addressing the complex challenges posed by climate change.

Stickney WRP plant manager gives an overview of the wastewater treatment process to a delegation from Dubai Municipality.

"This visit is a testament to the importance of international cooperation in the face of shared environmental challenges," said MWRD President Kari K. Steele. "Our work here in Chicago to manage water resources efficiently and sustainably is more relevant than ever, especially as we witness the increasing frequency and intensity of extreme weather events. The challenges we face are global in nature, and it is only through cooperation and shared innovation that we can develop solutions that protect our communities and our environment."

Dubai, much like Chicago, is experiencing the impacts of climate change, including more intense and unpredictable rainfall patterns that elevate the risk of flooding. The delegation from Dubai, which included top environmental and urban planning officials, learned from MWRD's decades of experience in managing stormwater and wastewater in a dense urban environment.

The visit featured a comprehensive tour of the Stickney WRP, where the delegation observed the latest technologies and processes employed by MWRD to treat wastewater and manage stormwater runoff. The delegation also toured the Mainstream Pumping Station and McCook Reservoir. Highlights included demonstrations of the plant's treatment facilities, flood mitigation strategies, and nutrient recovery processes.

The Dubai Municipality delegation visited the McCook Reservoir, a part of the Tunnel and Reservoir plan that will provide more than $143 million per year in flood damage reduction benefits to 3.1 million people in 37 communities and will help protect the Chicago River, North Shore Channel, Addison Creek and Des Plaines River from combined sewer overflows.

Vice President Patricia Theresa Flynn emphasized the value of such exchanges. "By sharing knowledge and expertise, we can all work towards a more resilient and sustainable future. Our discussions with the Dubai delegation today highlighted the many parallels between our two cities and the opportunities for collaboration."

The MWRD has long been a leader in water management, pioneering methods that have set the standard for utilities around the world. As climate change continues to present new challenges, the MWRD remains committed to exploring and implementing cutting-edge technologies and practices that ensure the safety and sustainability of the region's water resources.