Chicagoans Rally to Conserve Water Amid Overwhelmed City Water Systems

Record-setting rainfall in Chicago has overwhelmed the city's water systems, leading officials to urge residents to reduce water usage. The Metropolitan Water Reclamation District and the Department of Water Management are advising Chicagoans to limit their use of water-dependent appliances and shorten baths and showers to alleviate strain on the system. Excess rainwater has exceeded the capacity of the sewer system, causing flooding in homes and businesses. To manage the situation, officials have reversed the flow of the Chicago River to release excess water into Lake Michigan. The city is also working on expanding overflow reservoirs to prevent future sewer overflows.