In Chicago, when heavy rain is on the way, the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District (MWRD) sometimes issues an “Overflow Action Day Alert.” This is the district’s way of warning residents that heavy rain could overwhelm the city’s sewage system, leading to flooding and sewer backups.
The MWRD encourages residents to take some simple steps before and during the rain to help prevent these issues. For example, it’s a good idea to hold off on taking long showers or baths, flush toilets less often, and avoid running the dishwasher or washing machine. These small actions can make a big difference in reducing the pressure on the sewer system.
On a typical day, the MWRD processes about 1.47 billion gallons of wastewater. But when storms hit, that number skyrockets to over 2 billion gallons. After several days of rain, the system struggles to keep up, which is why these Overflow Action Alerts are important.
If you’re curious about other ways you can help reduce flooding risk, the MWRD has a full list of helpful tips on their website. Staying prepared can make all the difference when the weather gets rough.
