The Metropolitan water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago has captured billions of gallons of stormwater that have fallen across Cook County during multiple waves of storms. According to the National weather Service, the latest storm event had rainfall amounts up to three inches.

The Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago (MWRD) has captured billions of gallons of stormwater that have fallen across Cook County during multiple waves of storms. According to the National Weather Service, the latest storm event had rainfall amounts that ranged from approx. 3 inches at O’Hare International Airport, approx 2 inches at Midway International Airport, and nearly 2.5 inches in southern Cook County.

Residents of the Chicago area are being asked to limit water use to help prevent flooding and protect water quality as thunderstorms rolled across the region on Friday. The MWRD issued an Overflow Action Day Alert on Friday afternoon as several rounds of strong to severe storms had already started to move in, with a severe thunderstorm watch in effect until 7 p.m. in several counties.

With heavy rain today and more possibly on the way, the Metropolitan water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago is issuing an overflow action alert that encourages residents and business owners to reduce their water usage and help prevent flooding and protect water quality.

With heavy rain expected in the Chicago area today, the MWRD encourages area residents and business owners to reduce water use during and after the storm to help prevent flooding and protect water quality:

Commemorating America’s Semiquincentennial, the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago (MWRD) launched a special tree planting initiative that honored the nation’s 250th anniversary while advancing the MWRD’s commitment to environmental stewardship. As part of this effort, the MWRD will plant 250 trees on MWRD property throughout 2026.