Metropolitan Organization Manages Water in Chicago

Originally from Naperville, Illinois, Sean Tenner earned his bachelor of arts in American government from Georgetown University. As president of KNI Communications in Chicago, Illinois, Sean Tenner oversees projects that assist non-profits, political campaigns and advocacy efforts. In 2018, Mr. Tenner acted as lead consultant to Cam Davis as he ran to become one of the commissioners for the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago.

What began as the Sanitary District of Chicago in 1889 evolved into the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago. In the early 1900s, the group successfully diverted the flow of the Calumet and Chicago Rivers as part of an effort to conserve Lake Michigan, which provides drinking water to the entire metro area.

The Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Great Chicago directs wastewater treatment and stormwater management. The service area spans just over 882 square miles within Cook County, covering the city of Chicago and 128 suburbs. An estimated 10.35 million people benefit from the services provided. The organization aims to prevent flood damage for residents and businesses, as well as provide clean water to consumers. Efforts to reuse recovered resources are also in the works.