Illinois communities along rivers are used to flooding. But a state report says there is an increase in so-called "urban flooding" in communities outside a flood plain.
Flooding in cities and towns across Illinois did more than $2 billion in damage over a seven year period. The report from the DNR blames outdated sewer systems and heavier rains.
“The infrastructure that we can't see below the surface of the ground is decaying," Glen Heistand, with the Illinois Water Survey, said.
Loren Wobig is the head of the DNR's Water Resources Division and one of the report's authors. Wobig says the report recommends mandatory training of insurance sellers on flood and water damage issues so more people are covered.
"A lot of the agents probably know much more about what's covered for fire insurance for example, and so we just found and wanted to recommend that there be more education,” Wobig said. “Get that education level up in the insurance industry for those who are out selling and promoting that coverage of risk."
Another proposal would add a tax on insurance policies to help cover repairs of aging storm water drainage systems across the state.