Heavy rain will continue in the Chicagoland area today. Reduce your use of water during and after the storm to help prevent flooding and protect water quality:

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

Flooding and sewer backups can happen for a variety of reasons, ranging from conveyance of water flow in local pipes, the groundwater table, undersized drainage designs and roof loads, and sump pumps attached to house lines. To help prevent flooding inside or around your home, there are actions you and your family can take before and during rainfall.

Learn more about how to prepare for stormwater

MWRD staff work 24/7 protecting the water environment, mitigating flooding, managing waterway elevations, and keeping operations moving at its seven treatment plants.

The MWRD treats an average of 1.47 billion gallons of wastewater per day, but that number can soar above 2 billion with intensive rainstorms.

Learn more about Combined Sewer Overflow prevention

Sign up to receive Overflow Action Alerts via text 

For more information and explanations about how the MWRD’s infrastructure and waterway system operate, visit these links:

Learn about the Tunnel and Reservoir Plan (TARP) 

Understand how the Chicago Area Waterway System works 

Read our booklet “Understanding Your Sewer” 

Request a presentation for your community 

Tour our facilities 

Municipal partners can review stormwater partnership opportunities 

The top of the MWRD’s website clearly displays a notification announcing the start and end of the Overflow Action Alert so be sure to visit mwrd.org for updates on when normal activities may resume.