Question

Anyone have a back yard that turns to a lake? What did you do to fix? Does the city of Des Plaines help? Thank you!  

Answer 1

Just be sure if you redo the landscaping, it's done properly. Big no no to just redirect all that water onto a neighbor's property, even if done unintentionally.  

Answer 2

The city does have a flood abatement program where you can get partial reimbursement for work you do on your home to mitigate flood issues. Not sure about the details.  

Answer 3

My back yard yesterday

Answer 4

Yes, it looks like a lake and the duck swimming in my yard would second me on that observation. @jadda a flood abatement solution can add a drainage line from your property directly to the storm drains. However; when it rains this hard, the storm drains become overwhelmed. @keeton, @jockey, landscaping can provide relief as long as it is done such that it doesn't negatively effect your neighbors. The main solution is to have the storm drains with sufficient capacity to handle storm water. This infrastructure has been getting upgrades over the years, but clearly problems exist. Making sure the city knows what areas chronically flood is the key to effective water mitigation solutions and spending those funds wisely.  

Answer 5

Yes. Call the city.  

Answer 6

On the other hand, it was short-lived flooding due to torrential downpour, it didn't last long, and it drained without any effort on your part. If it ain't broke, don't fix it.  

Answer 7

Why? Did the flooding spoil your backyard picnic?  

Answer 8

The city has never helped our area You call to get blockades put up so cars don’t drive through the flooded street by your residence & they say can’t put any up until someones a car gets stuck ‍♀️ Police come by to look at the flooding & then drive away ‍♀️

Answer 9

Everyone needs a generator. Get one that a few neighbors can all chip in and share.  

Answer 10

So my neighbors had their house rebuilt from the floor up a couple of years ago and they elevated everything - including their backyard so now everything comes into my and my neighbors yard. I feel like that’s not ok. Anyone know for sure?  

Comments

That's definitely not okay. Can you raise yours even higher? ;)

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@jadda I wish. They went way up.  

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I don't specialize in real estate disputes but I am an attorney and I think you probably have a case against your neighbors. if you want to go that way. It probably wouldn't hurt to get a free consultation with an attorney who works in that area.  

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@jadda I think we will. I spoke with my alderman and she suggested I call the city so I’ll start there I think. Thank you so much

Answer 11

Spray paint the grass on the edges of the puddle, then fill with play sand to level it out and add grass seed.