Our fully furnished basement in Carmi, Illinois, was our haven until February 2025. That month, our basement flooded catastrophically—not once, but thrice. The damage was beyond belief. With no prior history of such issues, we were faced with the inundation of 300 gallons of water. Among the items wrecked were cherished furniture pieces, comprehensive flooring, valuable kitchen equipment, vital electronics, seasonal decorations, and, most notably, indispensable parts of our child's life.

The flooding was not an act of nature but a failure in our local infrastructure. Water surged up through our basement shower drain and toilet, transforming our safe space into a soggy nightmare. Slays had to be summoned to help extract the huge volume of water, yet the emotional and financial toll has been staggering.

We're not alone. Many families in Carmi are grappling with the same overwhelming issue. Homes, much like ours, are being disrupted, inflicting stress and hardship across our beloved community.

It's time for action. We call on the local authorities and relevant stakeholders to prioritize and remedy Carmi's sewer and drain system. This is not just a plea for repair but a demand for preventative measures to ensure that no family has to endure what ours did. The systematic inspection and complete overhaul of aging infrastructure is essential.

Investing in modern, efficient sewer technologies and infrastructure improvements will not only save families and businesses from future distress but will also enhance the quality of life in Carmi. Let's protect our homes, our investments, and our peace of mind.

Please sign this petition to urge the authorities to take immediate comprehensive steps to fix the crumbling sewer and drain systems in Carmi, Illinois. Let's stand together to secure a safer, drier future for all Carmi residents!