MWRD - Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago

10/18/2025 | Press release | Archived content

MWRD issues Overflow Action Alert

MWRD issues Overflow Action Alert

October 18, 2025

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The Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago has issued an Overflow Action Alert. Reduce your use of water before, during and after rainstorms to reduce the amount of water in your municipal sewers:

  • Delay showers and baths
  • Flush less frequently
  • Wait to run the dishwasher or washing machine

Flooding and sewer backups can happen for a variety of reasons, ranging from conveyance of water flow in local pipes, the groundwater table, undersized drainage designs and roof loads, and sump pumps attached to house lines. To help prevent flooding inside or around your home, there are actions you and your family can take before and during rainfall.

Learn more about how to prepare for stormwater

MWRD staff work 24/7 protecting the water environment, mitigating flooding, managing waterway elevations, and keeping operations moving at its seven treatment plants.

The MWRD treats an average of 1.47 billion gallons of wastewater per day, but that number can soar above 2 billion with intensive rainstorms.

Learn more about Combined Sewer Overflow prevention

Sign up to receive Overflow Action Alerts via text

For more information and explanations about how the MWRD's infrastructure and waterway system operate, visit these links:

Learn about the Tunnel and Reservoir Plan (TARP)

Understand how the Chicago Area Waterway System works

Read our booklet "Understanding Your Sewer"

Request a presentation for your community

Tour our facilities

Municipal partners can review stormwater partnership opportunities

Press Release
Wastewater
MWRD - Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago published this content on October 18, 2025, and is solely responsible for the information contained herein. Distributed via Public Technologies (PUBT), unedited and unaltered, on October 20, 2025 at 15:08 UTC. If you believe the information included in the content is inaccurate or outdated and requires editing or removal, please contact us at [email protected]