Flood Prevention tips!

Our Very Own Metropolitan Water Reclamation District commissioner Kari Steele posted this on her Facebook page . We hope this can help prevent some flooding!

Status Update

By Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago

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.

There are some other activities that can help minimize flooding:
• Make sure storm drains are clear and not buried under snow drifts.
• Keep areas around streams free of floatable debris.
• If your home has a backwater valve installed on the sewer, follow the manufacturer’s instructions for cleaning to ensure that it is functioning properly.
• Check your sump pump to make sure it is working properly.
• If your home or area is prone to flooding you may want to remove valuable items from basement floors.
• Keep your gutters clear. When they are blocked, water will pour over the edges, landing on the ground next to your home. If you have cracks in the concrete wall of your basement, this water could enter your home.

If you see flooding, report it to your municipality; in Chicago, call 311.

Our water environment: Take it personally.

Let us know if you have any problems with flooding

Looks like we're finally getting our thaw in the weather

[VIDEO] As you see in the video above from CBS 2 Chicago, city officials are keeping an eye on the melting snow and ice. Also rain is expected tomorrow further washing away the snow that has been on the ground for the past month.

Also when the snow and ice melts thanks to the warm temps and the rain all the result water has to go somewhere and unfortunately could cause flooding in the area. City officials are getting ready for any expecting issues.

Mayor Rahm Emanuel joked about the change in the weather. He's suggested to his underlings that they watch the coming Noah movie urging them to come up with a plan for the melting snow.

In addition to patching up the streets that have taken a beating this winter, now it's time to clear up all the catch basins and storm drains so that the water will be cleared from city streets. At least that's the plan from the city for all this water we're going to see.

At least we're finally getting a taste of spring! :)

Historical Chicago Bugalow Association Seminar on Basement Flooding

Thanks to Sixth Ward Blog Reader LB.

Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago and the City of Chicago's Department of Water Management

Basement Flooding

Understanding Your Sewer and Ways to Avoid & Address Flooding Issues

Wednesday, April 10, 6-7:30pm

Woodson Regional Library
9525 S. Halsted St.
Chicago, IL 60628

RSVP to bungalow@chicagobungalow.org 

April showers bring May flowers, and unfortunately storm water and flooding. Wade through the basics of understanding your sewer with David St. Pierre of the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District and Thomas LaPorte of the City of Chicago’s Department of Water Management.  Join us for an overview of the combined sewer systems in the Chicago area and how they operate during rainstorms. Why do basements flood during heavy rains? What causes sewer backups? Most importantly, learn what you can do to prevent sewer backups, and what the City and the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago (MWRD) are doing to address these issues.