New stormwater storage tanks almost complete in effort to reduce West Side flooding

CHICAGO (WLS) -- There are massive new underground water tanks on Chicago's West Side.

They are designed to prevent future flooding for thousands of homes and businesses.

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The nearly complete construction couldn't come at a better time, as parts of the city and many suburbs saw significant rain over the weekend.

The city's infrastructure is under pressure from all the rain that's fallen the past several weeks.

West Side residents know all too well what can happen when there is no place for the excess stormwater to go.

Many are still recovering from widespread flooding that took place three years ago.

City officials said the project in the 5500-block of Le Moyne Street creates two auxiliary tanks that will increase stormwater storage by 1.7 million gallons.

The projects are just part of what the city says will be a more than $500 million project to address flooding, while also upgrading the city's aging sewer system.

Chicago also wants residents affected by flooding on July 3 and 4 to report any service requests related to water in basements to 311.

Residents should also complete an online survey through July 14.

It's not just the city's infrastructure that is under pressure.

Reservoirs all around the south suburbs are nearing capacity.

Significantly, the Thornton Reservoir in South Holland, which has never filled up beyond 55% is now nearly full.