Residents across the Chicagoland area, including in the Village of Park Forest, are being asked to limit their water usage today ahead of severe weather that could drench the area with several inches of rain this afternoon and evening.
The Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago has declared an "overflow action alert" today.
The alert asks residents to delay taking showers or baths while also waiting to operate their dishwashers or washing machines. Residents are also asked to refrain from watering their lawns and to flush toilets in their homes less frequently in the coming hours.
Park Forest is under a Flood Watch until midnight tonight. A Flood Watch is issued when conditions are favorable for a specific hazardous weather event to occur. It does not mean flooding will happen, but it is possible.
Flooding and sewer backups can happen for various reasons, ranging from the conveyance of water flow in local pipes, the groundwater table, undersized drainage designs and roof loads, and sump pumps attached to house lines. To help prevent flooding inside or around your home, there are actions you and your family can take before and during rainfall. Learn more about how to prepare for stormwater by clicking here.