Climate Change and Stormwater

There have been lots of stories this winter about the rising levels in Lake Michigan, the erosion of many of the city’s beaches and flooding along the lakeshore. As we see warmer winters and more intense storms, the Chicago Department of Water Management would like to remind you that there are simple steps you can take to help keep water out of our basement.

• Do not dump fats/oils/greases in private drains or public catch basins.
• Avoid running a dishwasher or washing machine during storms.
• Disconnect downspout connections from the sewer system. Make sure to direct flow to areas with permeable surfaces that can properly absorb the stormwater or use rain barrels to collect the rain directly from the downspouts.
• Install rain gardens, green landscaping, or stormwater trees in your yard to help retain rainwater.
• Resurface driveways, parking pads, or patios with permeable pavement.

Additional information can be found at: https://www.cityofchicago.org/city/en/depts/water/supp_info/conservation.html

 

 

Supporting Documents/Information

• Stormwater Management PDF