Our History
The Fox Metro History Timeline provides a chronological overview of significant events and developments related to the Fox Metro Water Reclamation District.
1925 - The Aurora Sanitary District is founded
A public referendum was held to address public sanitation and health concerns along the Fox River, leading to the establishment of the Aurora Sanitary District.
1929 - Aurora Sanitary District Opens
The original trickling filter plant opens with a sewage treatment capacity of 8 million gallons per day , serving a population of 40,000.
1982 - Activated Biosolids Treatment added
The environmental movements of the 1960’s and 70’s resulted in major expansion and upgrades, including Activated Biolsolids treatment.
1995 - Aurora Sanitary District is renamed to Fox Metro WRD
As the District grows and begins to treat more communities, the name Fox Metro is adopted to reflect the Fox River metropolitan area that we serve.
2012 - Wet Weather Overflow Facility opens
The Wet Weather Overflow Facility is a large water storage building that allows Fox Metro to intake the excess water flows during heavy rainfalls, preventing contaminated storm water from flowing freely into the Fox River.
2016 - Construction of South Plant begins
The South Plant expansion begins with the goal of removing increased levels of Phosphorous found in wastewater.
2019 - South Plant completed
The South Plant expansion becomes operational, on-time and under budget.
2021 - Solar Field 1 Opens
Fox Metro’s first solar field opens, with a capacity of 2.0 Megawatts. While providing approximately 16% of Fox Metro’s power, the solar field saves roughly $160,000 per year in electricity costs.