Friends of the Chicago River and our partners will declare Overflow Action Days on any day leading up to, during, or after a major rain event that has the potential to overwhelm the sewers and flush harmful waste into the Chicago River system. The purpose of Overflow Action Days is to minimize the amount of water that goes into the sewer system. Water conservation can play an enormous role in protecting our rivers.

I recognize that my house is connected to our waterways.

I recognize that a clean, healthy Chicago River and Calumet River are reliant on both individual actions as well as municipal actions.

I recognize the Chicago River system is an important ecosystem that provides homes for wildlife, a natural escape from urban pressure, and a corridor for fish, wildlife and people to move through both urban and suburban neighborhoods.

I want to act now to reduce sewage and pollution to the Chicago River system.