A press release from MWRD - we can make a difference by minimizing water use today.
We would like to share this important winter flooding alert from our partners at The Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago (MWRD). Please share this alert with your neighbors, family and friends.
For Immediate Release
February 19, 2014
Winter Flooding Alert
Rain is anticipated in the Chicago area on Thursday, and coupled with ice and snow melt, there is an immediate risk for flooding in the entire Chicagoland region.
Because the frozen ground can't absorb water and snow, run-off immediately flows to the sewers. In addition, ice can block storm drains and streams. Flooding may occur when the sewer system becomes overwhelmed from the combination of normal sewage flow, rain water and snow melt.
The Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago (MWRD) is preparing for the additional flow. To help minimize flooding, the MWRD is lowering water levels in the Chicago Area Waterway System to make room for runoff, and our Tunnel and Reservoir Plan (TARP) tunnels are ready to hold over two billion gallons of water.
The public can help plan for and minimize flooding by reducing water use. Postponing high water consumption activities such as bathing or showering, running dishwashers or washing clothes will help provide maximum capacity in the local and intercepting sewer systems.
Making sure storm drains are clear and not buried under snow drifts and keeping areas around streams free of floatable debris can also help reduce flooding,
If you see flooding, report it to your municipality; in Chicago, call 311.
Our water environment: Take it personally.
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