Kiera Jefferson
The Chicago River has undergone a remarkable transformation, evolving from a toxic wasteland to an urban oasis. This progress is a testament to the dedication of various organizations and government bodies working tirelessly to improve water quality and restore the river's ecosystem. However, the river still faces significant challenges, including pollution from sewage, industrial discharges, and stormwater runoff. To help address these issues and ensure a sustainable future for the Chicago River, individuals can play a crucial role by conserving water, especially during storms, and being mindful of what they dispose of in street drains. Additionally, supporting the efforts of environmental groups and participating in recreational activities on and around the river can contribute to its preservation and restoration.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Current state of the Chicago River | Once a toxic wasteland, now an urban oasis |
| Reasons for past pollution | Sewage, industrial discharges, stormwater runoff, heat, low dissolved oxygen levels, and other pollutants |
| Government initiatives | Clean Water Act of 1972, Illinois Pollution Control Board's new standards in 2011 |
| Local organizations | Friends of the Chicago River, Environmental Law and Policy Center, Natural Resources Defense Council, Urban Rivers, Openlands |
| Individual actions | Do not dump anything into street drains, conserve water during storms |
| Future challenges | Legacy pollutants, boat traffic, currents, temperature, lack of ingress and egress |
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What You'll Learn
Reduce litter and waste that ends up in the river
The Friends of the Chicago River have been working since 1979 to improve the health of the Chicago River system for the benefit of people and wildlife. They have laid the foundation for the river to become a beautiful, continuous, easily accessible corridor of open space in the Chicago region.
One of the initiatives by Friends is the Litter Free Chicago-Calumet River initiative, which works to reduce the amount of trash in the waterways by engaging with community and government leaders to develop strong public policy and comprehensive litter reduction programs. The initiative includes litter research and engaging residents and local companies in local cleanup efforts. Friends also has a volunteer CREW that people can join to receive information on upcoming volunteer opportunities.
The Chicago River Trash Trap is the first instream litter collection technology of its kind deployed in the Chicago-Calumet river system. It floats in the Main Stem of the Chicago River and collects debris and litter from the surface using a submersible water pump, trapping litter inside a catch bin while the water is pumped back out. The catch bin holds up to 44 pounds and is checked and emptied daily.
Friends also organizes an annual Chicago River Day cleanup with over 70 locations throughout the watershed. They also organize independent litter cleanups with the help of their Supply Stations and Litter Free Toolkit.
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Conserve water to reduce the strain on the sewer system
The Chicago River was once a toxic wasteland, but thanks to the efforts of various organisations and government bodies, it has been transformed into an urban oasis. Despite this remarkable improvement, the river still faces challenges, including sewage effluent, nutrient overload, industrial discharges, heat pollution, and low dissolved oxygen levels.
To reduce the strain on the sewer system and further improve the river's health, water conservation is key. Here are some ways to conserve water and lower your water bill:
Fix any leaks
Leaks can account for over 10,000 gallons of wasted water per household per year, so repairing them can significantly reduce water waste and lower your bill. Check for leaks in your toilets, faucets, and pipes, and call a plumber to fix any issues.
Reduce water usage
Simple actions like taking shorter showers, turning off faucets when not in use, and waiting for a full load before running the washing machine or dishwasher can make a big difference. You can also save water by only filling the kettle with the amount of water you need and reducing irrigation system usage.
Upgrade to water-efficient appliances
Switching to water-efficient appliances, such as ENERGY STAR-certified washing machines and WaterSense-labeled faucets and aerators, can help you save water and reduce your water bill. These appliances are designed to use less water while delivering the same performance as traditional options.
Implement water-saving measures in your garden
Use mulch and bark in your garden to reduce evaporation, and plant drought-resistant plants that require less watering. Check with your water company, as some offer discounts on water-saving equipment like water butts.
Conserve rainwater
Collect rainwater in a barrel or tank and use it for watering your garden or washing your car. This reduces the demand on the sewer system and can also save you money.
By following these water conservation tips, you can help reduce the strain on the sewer system and play a part in improving the health of the Chicago River.
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Support organisations like Friends of the Chicago River
Friends of the Chicago River is a group that has been working to improve the health of the Chicago River system since 1979. The group spans the entire 156-mile Chicago-Calumet River system and its surrounding watershed. They focus on creating a greener river with a healthy habitat that is accessible to people and beneficial for wildlife.
Friends of the Chicago River works in partnership with municipalities, businesses, community groups, schools, peer organizations, government agencies, and individuals on projects that benefit the river. They believe that the river can be ecologically healthy and a catalyst for community revitalization. The group is committed to a continuous Chicago River Trail along the river's 156-mile length and strives to ensure that the river provides a safe and healthy home for wildlife and native plant communities.
You can support Friends of the Chicago River by becoming a member, volunteering, attending special events, or taking independent action. Becoming a member gives you access to updates on river news, policy changes, and fun events. Volunteering can involve restoration work in the field, becoming a Volunteer Canoe Guide, or helping at special events like Chicago River Day.
You can also support the group by following them on social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter to stay informed about their work and share it with your network. Word of mouth is a valuable way to increase their reach and gain more supporters. Additionally, you can sign up for their e-news and monthly CREW emails to stay informed about their latest initiatives and how you can get involved.
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Advocate for stronger water quality standards
The Chicago River has been subjected to over a century's worth of pollution and abuse. In the past, Chicago's inland waterway system was treated as a dumping ground for trash and sewage, resulting in poor living conditions for both people and wildlife. The Clean Water Act, passed in 1972, set incredibly low standards as it was believed that no one would ever want to swim or fish in the river.
However, in recent years, there has been a shift in public perception, and organisations like Friends of the Chicago River, Openlands, and Urban Rivers have worked tirelessly to restore and protect the river. Their efforts have improved water quality, and the river now supports a diverse range of wildlife. To further improve water quality standards, several steps can be taken:
- Support organisations like Friends of the Chicago River: This non-profit organisation has been working since 1979 to improve the health of the Chicago River system for both people and wildlife. They have been instrumental in habitat restoration and long-range planning for river access and improvement. By supporting their initiatives and advocating for stronger water quality standards, you can help ensure that the river becomes a beautiful and accessible open space for all.
- Engage with government bodies: The Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago (MWRD) has played a crucial role in improving water quality through projects like the Tunnel and Reservoir Plan. Engage with them and other relevant government agencies to advocate for stricter water quality standards and the implementation of disinfection technologies at wastewater treatment facilities.
- Collaborate with partner organisations: Openlands and the Civic Federation, partner organisations of Friends of the Chicago River, released "Waterways for the Future," outlining how the Clean Water Act can be applied to the Chicago River to achieve stricter standards. Collaborate with these organisations and support their initiatives to ensure that the river's water quality continues to improve.
- Understand the environmental rulemaking process: Familiarise yourself with the environmental rulemaking process as it applies to water quality. This includes understanding the roles of key agencies like the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency (IEPA), as well as the water quality standards they enforce. By understanding the process, you can effectively advocate for stronger standards and ensure that the river's health is prioritised.
- Promote public awareness and education: Educate the public about the importance of clean water and the impact of pollution. Raise awareness about the current state of the Chicago River and the efforts being made to improve it. By engaging the community, you can foster a sense of collective responsibility and encourage people to take action, whether through volunteering, participating in clean-up drives, or advocating for stronger water quality standards.
- Participate in public consultations: Stay informed about public consultations and participate in providing feedback and suggestions for improving water quality standards. Your input can help shape policies and ensure that the needs and concerns of the community are addressed.
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Visit the river and engage in recreational activities
Visiting the Chicago River and engaging in recreational activities can help raise awareness of its pollution issues and contribute to ongoing restoration efforts. Here are some ways to get involved:
Explore the Chicago Riverwalk: The Chicago Riverwalk is a 1.25-mile-long path that offers a unique perspective on the river and the city's architecture. It consists of four distinct districts: The Confluence, The Arcade, The Civic, and the Esplanade. Visitors can stroll along the river, enjoy the views, and even take a water taxi or a river cruise.
Visit Goose Island and the Wild Mile: Goose Island, located near downtown Chicago, is home to the world's first floating eco-park, the Wild Mile. This innovative project has transformed the island's corrugated metal shoreline into a thriving wetland ecosystem. Visitors can explore the boardwalk, attend events, and observe the diverse wildlife that now calls this place home, including beavers, muskrats, and snapping turtles.
Kayaking and Paddling: Kayaking is a popular activity on the Chicago River, offering a unique perspective on the city and its architecture. Whether you join a guided tour or venture out on your own, kayaking is a great way to experience the river up close. Additionally, organisations like Friends of the Chicago River are working to improve water quality to support recreational activities like paddling.
Fishing and Swimming: Efforts are being made to improve water quality and make the river suitable for fishing and swimming. The Clean Water Act and the Constitution of the state of Illinois guarantee clean water, and organisations like Friends of the Chicago River are working towards these goals. However, the river still faces challenges due to sewage effluent, industrial discharges, and stormwater runoff.
Support Environmental Organisations: When visiting the river, consider supporting local environmental organisations dedicated to its restoration. Friends of the Chicago River, Urban Rivers, and Openlands are just a few of the groups working to protect and improve the waterway. By getting involved or making a donation, you can contribute directly to their efforts and help ensure a sustainable future for the Chicago River.
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Frequently asked questions
The Chicago River was once a toxic wasteland, but it is now an urban oasis. While the river is cleaner than it has been for over a century, it is still impacted by 1.2 billion gallons of undisinfected sewage effluent, an overburden of nutrients, permitted industrial discharges, heat pollution, low dissolved oxygen levels, and stormwater runoff containing a host of pollutants.
One way to help the Chicago River is to never dump anything into street drains as this can end up in the river and affect its water quality. Conserving water, especially during storms, is another way to reduce the amount of sewage that overflows into the river.
Friends of the Chicago River, Openlands, Urban Rivers, and other organizations have spent years protecting and improving the Chicago River. Their efforts have improved water quality and encouraged the community to embrace the river once again.
One of the biggest challenges in restoring the Chicago River is the presence of legacy pollutants from the area's industrial past, such as glue-making factories, tanneries, and meat-processing plants. These century-old pollutants have settled at the bottom of the river and continue to pose a serious threat to human health.
