[Dewey-Darrow] (fwd) City of Evanston Media Advisory - Street Flooding

[Bearhair]

>ADVISORY
>
>FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
>
>June 19, 2009
>
>Contact:   Lara N. Biggs
>847/ 448-8210 
>
>MEDIA ADVISORY - STREET FLOODING
>
>The Metropolitan Water Reclamation District (MWRD) Northside Water
>Reclamation Plant has reported that over 4 inches of rain has been
>recorded between midnight and 3:45 pm.  
>
>Due to the heavy rain, the MWRD opened the Wilmette locks into Lake
>Michigan at approximately 11:20 am, and the locks are currently still
>open.  Even with this preventative measure, the City of Evanston is
>still experiencing significant street flooding and some surcharging of
>the sewers, particularly on the Northwest side of the City. 
>
>The City's drainage system is designed to allow water to pond on the
>streets.  By restricting flow into the sewers, the City is able to help
>prevent sewer surcharges that can lead to basement backups.  However, in
>the event that the water in the street does not drain within four hours
>of the end of the rain event, or if you are experiencing a basement
>backup that may be attributed to a sewer surcharge, please call the
>emergency line at the Water and Sewer Division at (847) 866-2942 during
>business hours or at (847) 475-6880 at night and on weekends.
>
>-end-
>.....................................................
>Eric D. Palmer
>Public Communications Officer
>City of Evanston
>Lorraine H. Morton Civic Center
>2100 Ridge Avenue
>Evanston, Illinois 60201-2798
>847/448-8085
>epalmer at cityofevanston.org 
>
>"creating the most livable city in America"