Urban Flooding in Chicago: Examining the 'Deep Tunnel' Project
Urban Flooding in Chicago: Examining the 'Deep Tunnel' Project
US · Published Jul 27, 2026
Urban flooding in Chicago and suburban Cook County, Illinois, continues to pose significant challenges, affecting approximately 172,000 buildings and causing billions of dollars in damages each decade.
The issue stems from an outdated mixed sewage-stormwater drainage system.

Impact & Risks

Urban flooding in Chicago has severe consequences, including property damage, environmental contamination, and personal distress. Communities of color are disproportionately affected, raising concerns about equity in flood mitigation efforts. While the TARP project aims to alleviate these issues, its success in addressing the needs of vulnerable populations remains uncertain. The study highlights the importance of inclusive stormwater governance to ensure that all residents benefit from such large-scale infrastructure projects.

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