Chicago-area residents asked to limit water use amid severe storms, flood risk

Residents urged to delay showers, baths, and laundry as storms threaten to overwhelm water treatment facilities

Apr. 17, 2026 at 10:41pm

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As severe storms are expected to hit the Chicago area on Friday, the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District has issued an Overflow Action Day Alert and is asking residents to limit their water use. The district is working to manage billions of gallons of water at its treatment plants and through its Tunnel and Reservoir Plan, but needs residents to conserve water where possible to create more capacity in the system and prevent flooding.

Why it matters

The Chicago area has experienced an exceptionally wet spring, and the incoming severe storms could overwhelm the region's water treatment infrastructure if residents don't take steps to reduce their water usage. Limiting water use during these types of weather events helps protect water quality and mitigate the risk of flooding in local communities.

The details

The Metropolitan Water Reclamation District is asking Chicago-area residents to delay showers and baths, flush toilets less frequently, and wait to run the dishwasher or washing machine. These conservation efforts will create more capacity in the district's water management systems as they work to protect the local water environment and prevent flooding during the expected severe storms.

  • The severe weather threat is expected to arrive around 5 p.m. on Friday, April 17, 2026.
  • The Chicago area has experienced the wettest spring in decades leading up to this storm event.

The players

Metropolitan Water Reclamation District

The government agency responsible for treating wastewater and managing water resources in the Chicago metropolitan area.

Kari K. Steele

The president of the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District, who is urging residents to conserve water during the severe weather threat.

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What they’re saying

“Our staff is managing billions of gallons of water at our seven water reclamation plants and through our Tunnel and Reservoir Plan to protect our water environment and mitigate flooding.”

— Kari K. Steele, President, Metropolitan Water Reclamation District

“As we deal with this fast-changing weather this week, we encourage everyone to conserve water, when possible, to create more capacity in our systems.”

— Kari K. Steele, President, Metropolitan Water Reclamation District

What’s next

The Metropolitan Water Reclamation District will continue to monitor the severe weather threat and provide updates to residents on the need for ongoing water conservation efforts.

The takeaway

By heeding the call to limit water use during severe storms, Chicago-area residents can help the local water management agency prevent flooding and protect water quality in their communities. This type of coordinated effort between residents and local authorities is crucial for building resilience against the growing threat of extreme weather events.