"Chicago-area Residents Urged to Conserve Water as Severe Weather Approaches"

Residents in the Chicago area are being asked to limit their water usage ahead of severe weather, including delaying showers, operating dishwashers or washing machines, watering lawns, and flushing toilets less frequently. The Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago has issued an "overflow action alert" as heavy rains, flash flooding, damaging hail, and possible tornadoes are expected. The alert aims to prevent excess water from overwhelming the sewer systems and potentially releasing untreated wastewater into waterways. A flood watch is in effect for several counties in the region.