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How to Manage Stormwater and Flooding in Chicagoland

Managing Storm Water in Chicagoland, IL

Due to its location in the Midwest, the Chicago area experiences plenty of severe weather, from heavy thunderstorms to blizzards. Any type of storm with lots of precipitation can cause stormwater overflow and flooding. During heavy storms, the water that runs off of your roof and into your gutters will go through the downspouts to the sewer system. This can be problematic in heavily populated areas because the amount of water flowing into the sewer from everyone’s downspouts can cause the sewer to backup and overflow. This is a hazardous problem for everyone. That is why it is important to manage stormwater as much as possible before it can become a problem in the sewer.

While heavy storms are normally considered a hassle or a danger, there are some stormwater control techniques that can be used to take advantage of the excessive amounts of water and to prevent flooding and sewer problems:

  • Install a Rain Barrel: Rain barrels are attached to your downspout to collect stormwater that runs off of the roof and into the gutters. The water in the rain barrel can then be used to water plants in your garden and landscaping. This solution not only helps control stormwater, but can also help save you money on your water bill.
Rain Garden Solution for Chicagoland Stormwater Management
  • Use a Rain Garden: These gardens come in many forms, from garden or landscaping design with deep roots, to a smaller, stormwater planter, or a vegetated filter strip designed to reduce runoff and filter pollutants out of stromwater.
  • Put in Permeable Paving: There are several forms of permeable paving that can be installed on patios or driveways to allow water to soak into the ground and also provide a hard surface for parking or outdoor entertainment.

These are all solutions that you can implement in your Chicagoland area home to keep stormwater runoff to a minimum. Contact United Structural Systems to learn more about flooding issues in your home or click here to learn more about stormwater.

Dealing with Stormwater and Flooding in Chicago Homes

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Stormwater Flooding in Chicagoland, IL

While we hope you will be able to manage stormwater in your Chicagoland, IL home and prevent basement flooding, there are some severe cases where you cannot do so. If you do experience basement flooding, it is important to know what to do.

First, try to avoid contact with floodwater, as it can contain bacteria and viruses that are harmful when they are ingested or come in contact with open sores or wounds. If you do have to come on contact with floodwater, thoroughly wash all areas that have come in contact immediately. Consider all water unsafe unless it is bottled and do not keep unsealed food that has come in contact with floodwater.

Keep children and pets away from floodwater until the area has been cleaned. Throw away unwashable items that have come in contact with flood water, and clean and disinfect any hard surfaces or objects as soon as possible. Use fans and air conditioning to help the drying process. Invest in professional cleaning and mold removal if necessary. If you develop infections or illness after contact with floodwater, seek medical attention as soon as possible.

Hopefully, United Structural Systems can help you prevent flooding in your home. The best way to keep flooding and basement water at bay is to manage stormwater and put in proper basement waterproofing systems. Exterior drainage can help keep water away from your home and foundation, while interior drainage with sump pumps may help to prevent sewer water or drainage backup and keep your basement safe from water damage.

Contact us right away to learn more about how to manage stormwater and what to do after a flood. We are proud to serve the Chicagoland area with professional waterproofing and foundation repair services. To learn more about stormwater, visit: http://www.cityofchicago.org/content/dam/city/depts/water/supp_info/ManagingStormwaterAtHomeBrochure.pdf