In Fiscal Year 2024 (FY24), Durbin secured a $20 million earmark for MWRD to address excessive flooding in historically underserved communities in the Chicagoland area, including Harvey, South Holland, and Blue Island.

MWRD recommends people delay showers or baths, flush less frequently and wait to run the dishwasher or washing machine.

People can notify the agency by clicking on the “Report an issue” link at the bottom of the page on the MWRD website.

The Space to Grow program works with teachers, students and school administrators to dream up what a vibrant outdoor space could look like, how it could foster learning and a connection with the outdoors and reduce flooding.

Openlands and another nonprofit, the Healthy Schools Campaign, came together to develop the Space to Grow program — which is dedicated to transforming schoolyards using green infrastructure to manage stormwater and reduce flooding.

According to the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District, an “Overflow Action Day” was issued Wednesday, with up to two inches of rain possible across parts of the area in coming days.

The MWRD issued an "Overflow Action" on Thursday, informing the public that rainy conditions could lead to combined sewer overflows.

President Kari K. Steele speaks to Karen Conti about the MWRD.

The MWRD handles stormwater management and wastewater treatment in the Chicago area, and issued an overflow action alert on Tuesday in an effort to prevent flooding by limiting how much water goes into the sewer system.

According to the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District, an “Overflow Action Day” has been issued Monday, with several chances of rain coming in the next few days.