Tunnel and Reservoir Plan (TARP) Reservoir Levels
TARP is designed to reduce flooding, improve water quality in Chicago area waterways and protect Lake Michigan from pollution caused by sewer overflows.
Street flooding and basement backups can still occur even when there is plenty of room in TARP. If small neighborhood sewers don’t have the capacity to carry water to the MWRD’s intercepting sewers or TARP tunnels, they may back up.
If TARP is full, neighborhood sewers are designed to overflow to waterways.
More information
What You Should Do During Flooding
During flooding you should find the source of the water, notify your municipality, and use FEMA’s guidance for documenting damage and safe clean up.
You Can Help Reduce Flooding and Protect Water Quality
The MWRD works every day to reduce flooding and protect water quality in our service area and you can help too!
Native Landscaping
Native landscaping can help reduce flooding, protect water quality and provide habitat for wildlife.