Chicago-area residents are again being asked to reduce water usage.

When heavy rains were expected on Monday, August 10, 2026 in the Chicago area, the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago (MWRD) encouraged area residents and business owners to reduce water use during and after the anticipated rain to help prevent flooding and protect water quality.

During heavy rain events, the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District urges people to hold off on use of dishwashers and washing machines in order to free up room in the region’s combined wastewater and stormwater pipes.
As of Tuesday morning, MWRD’s McCook reservoir and tunnel system — serving central Chicago and 36 municipalities — was at 95% capacity, holding nearly 5 billion gallons of water. The larger Thornton reservoir and tunnels was holding a similar amount of water but was at 57% capacity.

Three members of the Illinois House of Representatives joined MWRD leadership for a tour of several critical facilities designed to protect public health and the environment.