Our
Partners
H2NOW Chicago is made possible through collaboration among public agencies, research institutions, technology innovators, community organizations, and funding partners.
Funding
The National Science Foundation (NSF) supports research, innovation, and technology development that advances water quality, environmental stewardship, and regional economic growth.
Christopher B. Burke Engineering, LLC supports innovative water infrastructure and environmental initiatives through engineering expertise and project collaboration.
Visit Christopher B. Burke Engineering
The Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) supports conservation, natural resource management, and environmental initiatives throughout Illinois.
The Chicago Community Trust provided significant project support for H2NOW Chicago through the Our Great Rivers program from 2019–2024.
Visit The Chicago Community Trust
Comcast provided funding to purchase the third Proteus probe in 2019, enabling H2NOW Chicago to install monitoring equipment on each branch of the Chicago River.
Water Quality Sensing and Testing
H2NOW Chicago selected Proteus probes as its technology of choice for real-time microbial water quality monitoring. Proteus Instruments supported technology procurement, installation, calibration, maintenance, and data collection systems at H2NOW monitoring sites.
Virridy supports H2NOW Chicago through environmental data management and monitoring solutions that help transform complex data into actionable insights.
Virridy is a technology company focused on environmental monitoring, sustainability, and resource management through cloud-based analytics and connected sensing systems.
The TECTA B4 testing device is used by H2NOW Chicago to conduct fecal coliform testing of river samples. The system delivers results within 6–12 hours and does not require specialized laboratory equipment or training.
IDEXX TECTA provides automated microbiological water testing solutions that improve water quality monitoring efficiency and public health outcomes around the world.
Current used Veracet to analyze river samples collected during the H2NOW program, helping identify potential sources of fecal contamination.
Veracet is a California-based environmental technology company that combines DNA testing methods and advanced analytics to track sources of microbial pollution in surface waters.
Operational Partners
M. Harris & Kern and MG Strategy and Design develop the water quality gauges and data visualizations for the H2NOW Chicago website and provide PR and communications support for the project.
The Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago (MWRD) has been a key operational partner since the start of H2NOW. Current works closely with MWRD scientists on site selection, equipment installation, sampling procedures and permits, laboratory testing, project goals, and data communication and interpretation. MWRD scientists also participate in planning meetings where they lend their expertise toward data analysis and program strategy.
MWRD is an award-winning, special-purpose district responsible for treating wastewater and providing stormwater management for residents and businesses in its service area, which encompasses 882.1 square miles and includes Chicago and 128 suburban communities throughout Cook County. It serves 10.35 million people each day, including 5.25 million residents.
Leadership
![[Current]](/s/current-wordmark-2025-LB.png)
Current is a catalyst for better, cleaner water whose mission is to grow the blue economy, accelerate innovation, and solve pressing water challenges. Founded in 2016 as a partnership of the City of Chicago, the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago, World Business Chicago and the region’s research universities, it is headquartered in Chicago. Current is the lead organization behind the NSF-backed Great Lakes Regional Innovation Engine, Great Lakes RENEW.
