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Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago

You can help reduce basement backups and flooding by conserving water before, during and after rainstorms.

In most of the Chicago area, rainwater goes through the same set of pipes as the water that goes down the drain in your home. When too much water enters sewers too quickly, the sewers can back up into streets and basements. Additionally, extra water in sewers can cause them to overflow into the river in some cases. Every little bit of conservation can help reduce the overall amount of water in the system. 

Ways to conserve water 

  • Delay or reduce shower times
  • Put off running the dishwasher
  • Wait to wash clothes in the laundry
  • Replace old and leaky faucets, toilets and showerheads with new products approved by EPA WaterSense

The MWRD sends out Overflow Action Alerts as reminders to conserve water when heavy rains are forecast.

Sign up to receive Overflow Action Alerts

News Article

Combined Sewer Overflow (CSO) Reporting