On Saturday, September 19, 2026, the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago issued a request for residents throughout the Chicago area to limit their water consumption. The advisory comes as meteorologists predict several waves of rain and thunderstorms across the region, prompting officials to act in order to protect water‑supply quality and lower the chance of flooding.
The district’s guidance asks households to postpone non‑essential water use. Specific actions include delaying showers and baths, reducing toilet flushing when possible, and postponing the operation of appliances that draw large amounts of water. By curbing these everyday activities, officials hope to lessen the load on the water‑treatment system during periods of heavy precipitation.
City officials note that the storm‑heavy forecast could strain existing water infrastructure. Heavy rain can overwhelm drainage and treatment facilities, potentially compromising the quality of water that reaches homes and businesses. Reducing demand during peak storm periods is viewed as a practical step to maintain system performance and to help prevent localized flooding that can result from excess runoff.
The advisory aligns with earlier water‑use recommendations that have been issued during times of high rainfall in the Chicago metropolitan area. Residents are encouraged to be mindful of their water habits throughout the expected thunderstorms, and to resume normal usage once conditions improve.
The Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago continues to monitor weather patterns and will update the public if additional measures become necessary. In the meantime, the agency asks that the community cooperate with the current request to safeguard both water quality and flood safety during the coming storm activity.