CHICAGO — Chicagoans should limit their water use to only the absolute necessities as heavy rain, strong winds and the threat of hail and tornadoes continue throughout Chicago on Wednesday, experts urged.
The Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago and Friends of the Chicago River issued an Overflow Action Day alert to encourage limited water use amid the day’s heavy rainfall — and as some residents are still recovering from last week’s severe storms.
The Chicago area was expecting strong storms with potential hail, tornadoes and torrential rain in the afternoon and at night, according to the National Weather Service.
The government organization that’s responsible for treating wastewater and managing stormwater is encouraging delayed or reduced bathing times, flushing the toilet less frequently and waiting to use dishwashers or washing machines until heavy rains have passed.
It also suggested replacing old and leaky faucets, toilets and showerheads with new products approved by EPA WaterSense.
“Our staff is managing billions of gallons of water at our seven water reclamation plants and through our Tunnel and Reservoir Plan, which is operating to protect our water environment and mitigate flooding,” Kari K. Steele, Metropolitan Water Reclamation District president, said in a press release. “We encourage everyone to conserve water when possible to create more capacity in our systems.”