Media Advisory: Stormwater Management Investment Brings New Protection for West Side as City of Chicago and MWRD pilot underground storage tanks

Stormwater Management Investment Brings New Protection for West Side

City of Chicago and MWRD pilot underground storage tanks

WHO: Mayor Brandon Johnson, 37^th Ward Alderperson Emma Mitts, Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago (MWRD) Board of Commissioner, Chicago Department of Water Management (DWM)

WHAT: Tour of construction site where an enormous new water wing underground stormwater storage tank in Austin neighborhood

WHEN: Tuesday, July 7, 2026, at 9:30 a.m.

WHERE: 5500 W. LeMoyne; LeMoyne Street between Luna and Lorel Avenues, Chicago, IL

BACKGROUND: The City of Chicago Department of Water Management (DWM) and the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago (MWRD) will showcase construction of an innovative pilot of a wing storage unit designed to help mitigate flooding by collecting and storing stormwater in this flood prone area.With the completed structure under Maypole Street, the projects will provide nearly 1.7 million gallons of stormwater storage, offering enhanced flood protection for more than 2,900 homes, businesses, and other buildings across the 28th, 29th, and 37th wards on Chicago's West Side. DWM and MWRD are sharing the cost of this $12 million infrastructure investment, which will expand local sewer capacity to capture and temporarily store rainfall during intense storms.

Wing Storage is an underground detention structure-an auxiliary holding tank installed beneath side streets or alongside existing sewer lines. These tanks temporarily capture excess rainwater during heavy storms, helping prevent street and basement flooding in surrounding neighborhoods.