McCook Reservoir Reaches 97% Capacity After Chicago Storms as Overflow Alert Enters Day 2
Updated
Updated · NBC Chicago · Aug 11
McCook Reservoir Reaches 97% Capacity After Chicago Storms as Overflow Alert Enters Day 2
3 articles · Updated · NBC Chicago · Aug 11
Summary
McCook Reservoir hit 97% capacity by 2:34 p.m. Tuesday, up about 2 percentage points from the prior night as heavy rain and strong winds swept parts of the Chicago area.
A second straight Overflow Action Day was in effect before more rain arrived, with residents urged to conserve water to reduce sewer strain and lower the risk of basement backups and flooding.
The broader system still had room elsewhere: Thornton Reservoir was 57% full, while the Majewski Reservoir in Elk Grove Village remained empty, according to the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District.
If the Deep Tunnel system is overwhelmed, untreated sewage can spill into rivers or be discharged into Lake Michigan, raising the risk of neighborhood flooding, beach closures and health hazards.