NBC Chicago: According to the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District, an “Overflow Action Day” was issued on Monday.

Cook County residents were asked to curb water use, including delaying showers and waiting to do laundry, as a flash flood watch took effect on Monday ahead of potential severe storms.

The Metropolitan Water Reclamation District issued an “Overflow Action Day," urging residents and businesses to take steps to help reduce flooding and protect water quality.

The primary requests include:

• Delay showers and baths
• Flush less frequently
• Wait to run the dishwasher or washing machine

If too much water enters sewer systems too quickly, it can cause flooded streets, homes and businesses. According to the district, extra water in sewers can lead to overflow in the river, in some cases.

As of Monday afternoon, the McCook Reservoir, which is part of the district's Tunnel and Reservoir Plan designed to reduce flooding and pollution caused by overflows, was 91% full. The Thornton Reservoir to the south was 7% full, while the Majewski Reservoir in the northwest suburbs was empty, the district stated.

With heavy rain possible in communities hard hit by precipitation in recent days, the National Weather Service issued a flash flood watch until late Monday for the entire Chicago area.

According to the NWS, roadways could see significant flooding due to heavy rain, which could fall at two-to-four inches per hour at times thanks to high atmospheric moisture content.

If multiple rounds of showers and storms impact the same location, rainfall totals in excess of five inches or more are possible with the storms.

According to the MWRD, there are a number of other steps residents can also take to reduce the amount of water entering sewage systems. Those include the installation of rain gardens or rain barrels on properties. Landscaping with native plants or planting more trees will also help to absorb more water.

Even replacing paved surfaces with water-absorbing materials can also help.

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