Chicago-area residents asked to reduce water usage as storms approach

Chicago-area residents are being asked to reduce water use as storms move in and the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District issues an Overflow Action Day Alert.

NBC Chicago reported that heavy rain and strong to severe thunderstorms were expected Friday evening, with a flash flood watch in place for much of the area. The MWRD asked residents to delay showers, baths, laundry and dishwasher use to help ease pressure on the sewer system.

The district says the conservation request is meant to reduce the risk of basement backups, street flooding and water quality problems during heavy rain. Its Overflow Action guidance urges residents to conserve water before, during and after storms.

The alert comes as local officials prepare for a potentially wet and disruptive evening commute. Additional weather warnings could follow if the storm threat intensifies.

For now, the immediate advice is simple: cut back on nonessential water use until the storms pass.