Flooded Chicago street improved after city cleared catch basins following I-Team inquiry: Residents

CHICAGO (WLS) -- Residents on one block in Chicago's Brainerd neighborhood say persistent flooding left their street waterlogged for weeks, even after heavy storms had passed and during periods of light rainfall.

Charlotte Hayes and her neighbors said standing water remained a recurring problem and that clogged catch basins contributed to the flooding. Hayes said the conditions created daily challenges for residents.

"It's a big deal. First of all, my car is in the water. You know, I have to move it. So clean it. And then if it rains again, I have to move it to clean it, you know? So it's it's just a hassle," Hayes said. When told it appeared to be a puddle, she replied, "Yeah. No, no, it's a pool of water."

ABC7 Chicago is now streaming 24/7. Click here to watch

Hayes said she and other residents had been clearing debris from catch basins themselves.

"it's kind of a hassle that I would even have to keep a shovel in my car clean in the street. I mean, even passerbyers stop and say, Miss, you shouldn't be doing that, you know, but what can you do? Because it makes the water back up in my basement," she said.

In addition to concerns about flooding, Hayes said she was worried about mosquitoes and the possibility of an older person slipping and falling.

Hayes said calls to Chicago's Department of Water Management seeking help went unanswered for several weeks. She and other residents contacted the ABC7 I-Team, which then reached out to the city.

Days later, city crews were seen clearing debris from catch basins, and residents said the water issue improved.

"Two days after you emailed the city, the water department came out here with the commercial water and they rotted. They brought it out, they clean the street and it's been going down ever since," Hayes said. Asked whether the city had been listening before that, Hayes responded: "No, they weren't. No, because I've had several requests put in through the app."

In a statement, the Department of Water Management said it "is committed to responding to service calls in a timely fashion. The Department of Streets and Sanitation performs regular street sweeping which clears the openings to catch basins and DWM encourages residents to keep the openings of catch basins free of debris as well."

Despite the recent improvements, some neighbors said they believe a more permanent solution is needed.

"I think the city needs to come out and and do something, reevaluate, maybe take up the street, put in a new main sewer line or something, because, you know, it's just not on homeowners. They have to do something," Hayes said.

The city did not respond to a question about whether there are plans for a longer-term solution. Residents experiencing similar flooding issues are encouraged to contact 311, the Department of Water Management or their alderperson.