OpenCampaign

Water

Metropolitan Water Reclamation District oversight

The Metropolitan Water Reclamation District (MWRD), which is responsible for flood protection and water quality for Lake Michigan and Chicago-area rivers, has multiple contested seats on the 2026 Cook County ballot. Progressive organizations have endorsed candidates for MWRD commissioner, reflecting the district's importance to the region's environment and infrastructure.

What should be the priority for Cook County's Metropolitan Water Reclamation District?

How OpenCampaign quiz-takers stand on this issue

No quiz question covers this exact issue — showing responses to the closest one, Environment.

38% call it a high-priority issue (rating it 7+ out of 10).

  1. Liberal43%
  2. Lean liberal25%
  3. Moderate15%
  4. Lean conservative6%
  5. Conservative11%

Where do you stand?

What should be the priority for Cook County's Metropolitan Water Reclamation District?

How important is this to you?

Sources

WTTW News — https://news.wttw.com/elections/voters-guide/2026-primary
MWRD is responsible for protecting homes and businesses from flood damage and for protecting the water quality of Lake Michigan and Chicago-area rivers and streams.
Citizen Action/Illinois — https://citizenaction-il.org/endorsements
Cameron Davis, Metropolitan Water Reclamation District – Commissioner; Precious Brady-Davis, Metropolitan Water Reclamation District – Commissioner.
Positions on this issue  ·  liberal → conservative
  1. Dramatically increase MWRD investment in environmental protection, climate resilience, and clean water equity.
  2. Expand MWRD's flood control and water quality programs, with a focus on underserved communities.
  3. Maintain current MWRD funding and programs while improving operational efficiency and transparency.
  4. Focus MWRD resources strictly on flood protection and basic water quality; limit scope creep into other areas.
  5. Reduce MWRD's budget and tax burden; privatize or consolidate some functions to cut costs for ratepayers.