Nicholas J. Melas Centennial Fountain

Commemorating 100 Years

The Nicholas J. Melas Centennial Fountain, dedicated in 1989, was commissioned to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago (MWRD).

Named in honor of Melas, who served as president of the MWRD for nearly two decades, the fountain is a celebration of the organization's history as well as a tribute to Chicago's ongoing efforts to manage and protect its vital water resources.

The MWRD was established in 1889, initially known as the Sanitary District of Chicago, with the primary mission of reversing the flow of the Chicago River to protect the city’s water supply from pollution. The Centennial Fountain serves as a reminder of this significant achievement and the continuous work done by the MWRD to safeguard the region’s waterways.

Design Features

Designed by Chicago architect Dirk Lohan and Associates, the fountain itself is composed of a series of granite steps that descend to the river’s edge, reflecting the river’s natural flow and offering a tranquil setting amid the bustling city. At the top of these steps, a semi-circular basin collects water that is then pumped at high pressure through nozzles to create a dramatic 80-foot arc. The water cannon launches the arc for five minutes every hour on the hour from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., and 4:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. May through October.

Chicago's Relationship With Water

The fountain serves as a reminder of the crucial role that water management has played in Chicago’s development. The city’s relationship with its waterways has been central to its growth, from the early days of the Illinois & Michigan Canal to the reversal of the Chicago River, which was one of the most ambitious engineering feats of its time.