Experts say homeowners should consider proven tips to reduce their flood risk as Chicago’s retention reservoirs approach capacity and more rain is forecast for later this week.
“We need to be prepared for [flooding] all the time, maybe a little more prepared now because we have less room for heavy rain,” says Scott Lincoln, senior service hydrologist at the Chicago branch of the National Weather Service.
Some parts of the Chicago area have seen 8 inches of rain since the beginning of July, nearly a third of what the area typically gets in a year, Lincoln said. As a result, Deep Tunnel, the network of floodwater management, has never been as full as it is now.
More rain is forecast for Thursday and Friday, which could potentially overload the network and cause flooding. The south suburbs are especially at risk.
Ideally, residents would have certain flood precautions in place already, Lincoln said, but there are things that can be done before more rain comes.
Here are some of those tips:
Downspout redirection
The best way to mitigate flood risk is to redirect the downspout that brings water from rain gutters directly into the sewer. Moving the downspout output to a garden or other landscaping relieves the sewer system during heavy rain.
“Downspouts directly connect water from roofs to the sewer system, so during heavy rains the rain from all the roofs in an area reduces capacity in the sewer system” and can lead to sewer backup and flooding, Cyatharine Alias, urban resilience director at Center for Neighborhood Technology, told the Sun-Times earlier this year.
Homeowners can redirect their downspout by using a hacksaw to shorten the downspout, then add an extension that directs the water where you want it to go. TikTok and YouTube tutorials can be helpful, but remember not to direct water toward others’ property. The Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago has a step-by-step guide to disconnecting a downspout in its Green Neighbor Guide.
Rain barrels
Rain barrels can also help prevent water from seeping into homes. Hardware and garden stores often keep rain barrels in stock, and Cook County residents can buy directly from the MWRD, whose barrels are $22.30 or $11.15 for those 65 and older. Tips on rain barrel installation can also be found in the Green Neighbor Guide.
Water conservation and landscaping
The MWRD suggests conserving water by doing simple things like taking shorter showers and turning off the water while brushing your teeth. Flushing anything other than natural waste and toilet paper can cause plumbing backups that can contribute to water issues.
The district also recommends investing in green infrastructure, like replacing paved areas with pervious surfaces to mitigate the effects of flooding. Planting a rain garden and landscaping with native plants can help the ecosystem thrive even under heavy rain and ward off flooding.
Navigating flood effects and staying informed
Because the streams, rivers and reservoirs in the area are elevated after heavy rain last week, it won’t take much more precipitation for them to flood, said Lincoln, of the weather service.
In the event that floods do happen, Lincoln said staying up to date on the most recent developments in your area is important. Having multiple sources of information can help residents get the information that’s most pertinent to them, especially when it comes to transportation.
“We definitely want people to think about, ‘Do they have multiple ways to get to work?’” Lincoln said. “What do you do if the main road is blocked?”
MWRD Overflow Action Alerts can warn residents of storms and help them remember to conserve water before, during and after a storm. Local governments often post on social media or send email alerts regarding severe weather and flooding risks along with tips to manage heavy rain.