Residents Urged To Limit Water Use While MWRD Manages Excess Water After Heavy Rainfall

CHICAGO—The Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago is urging residents to conserve water and refrain from showering and running washing machines and dishwashers after Monday’s heavy rainfall.

The water reclamation district is managing stormwater from a downpour that fell within a couple of hours. Despite a forecast of approximately, the first round of storms ranging from 1.3 inches near O’Hare International Airport to three inches of rain in central Cook County and almost three inches near Midway Airport.

The Tunnel and Reservation Plan (TARP), also known as “The Deep Tunnel,” the current status of McCook Reservoir is approximately 56 percent full, storing nearly 2 billion gallons. The McCook Reservoir serves central Chicago and 36 municipalities covering 252 square miles on the Des Plaines and Mainstream Tunnel systems.

Thornton Reservoir is approximately 34 percent full, storing nearly 2.7 billion gallons. Thornton Reservoir serves 91 square miles on the Calumet Tunnel System, covering the South Side of Chicago and 13 south suburban municipalities.

According to the National Weather Service, Monday’s first round of storms had rainfall amounts ranging from 1.3 inches near O’Hare International Airport to almost three inches at Midway International Airport, and nearly three inches in central Cook County.

Before any major storm, the MWRD lowers the levels of the Chicago Area Waterway System by diverting more water at its Lockport Powerhouse to provide added capacity in local waterways.

The MWRD urges area residents to conserve water during storms to provide more capacity in sewers and local infrastructure to take on the influx of rain. Residents are urged to sign up for Overflow Action alerts via text.

Applications are now open for municipalities and local government entities to partner with the MWRD on four stormwater management programs designed to mitigate community flooding throughout Cook County. More information can be found at MWRD Stormwater Partnerships.

For more information, visit the MWRD, Stormwater Management, TARP and how to help reduce flooding and protect water quality.