Brian Barton
The Des Plaines River is a 133-mile-long river that flows through southern Wisconsin and northern Illinois. It is a popular spot for activities like kayaking, fishing, and swimming. However, concerns have been raised about the river's pollution levels due to industrial and agricultural runoff. While there was an extensive cleanup effort in the 1980s, some pollutants remain buried in the sediment, making activities that disturb the sediment potentially hazardous. The Illinois Environmental Protection Agency has approved plans to improve water quality and reduce the impacts of water pollution, but it is unclear how effective these measures have been in reducing pollution levels in the Des Plaines River.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Length | 133 miles (214 km) |
| Course | Southward |
| Origin | Southern Wisconsin |
| Termination | Convergence with the Kankakee River to form the Illinois River |
| Pollution | Industrial and agricultural runoff |
| Wildlife | Great Blue Herons, Bald Eagles, and other wildlife |
| Human Activities | Kayaking, canoeing, fishing, swimming |
| Conservation Efforts | Des Plaines River Watershed-Based Plan, Small Watershed Assessment and Action Plan (SWAAP) |
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What You'll Learn
The Des Plaines River is used for recreation
The Des Plaines River is a 133-mile-long river that flows through southern Wisconsin and northern Illinois. Parts of the river are preserved in a mostly natural state and are used for conservation and recreation. The river runs through several towns and cities, including Des Plaines, Forest Park, and Riverside, before joining with the Sanitary and Ship Canal in Lockport and eventually forming the Illinois River.
The river has a history of industrial pollution, with cleanup efforts taking place in the 1980s. While the water quality has improved since then, agricultural runoff and other pollutants can still be present. The Des Plaines River Watershed-Based Plan was approved in 2018 to reduce the impacts of water pollution and restore the river to a healthy condition.
Despite the pollution concerns, the Des Plaines River is used for various recreational activities. Kayaking and canoeing are popular on the river, especially in northern Lake County. The river also offers fishing opportunities, although there are concerns about the safety of consuming the fish due to potential pollutants. Swimming and tubing are prohibited in some areas to avoid disturbing the sediment and releasing pollutants into the water.
The Des Plaines River is also known for its abundant wildlife, including Great Blue Herons and Bald Eagles. The river's surroundings feature a nearly continuous greenway through Lake County and the northern section of Cook County, supporting the Des Plaines River Trail, a multi-use trail for recreation.
Overall, while the Des Plaines River has faced pollution issues, efforts are being made to improve water quality and ensure safe recreational use. Recreational activities on the river include kayaking, canoeing, fishing, and wildlife observation, with certain activities restricted in specific areas to maintain water quality.
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Industrial pollution is buried in the sediment
The Des Plaines River is a waterway that flows for 133 miles (214 km) through southern Wisconsin and northern Illinois. It is used for conservation and recreation, with people kayaking, canoeing, and fishing on the river. The river has a history of industrial pollution, and while there was an extensive cleanup in the 1980s, some pollution remains buried in the sediment.
The river flows through a heavily industrialized area around Joliet, where dams control the waterway. In the past, the river has been described as “badly polluted,” and people have expressed concerns about the potential for runoff from nearby highways, airports, and other sources. However, the presence of wildlife along the river, including birds that feed on the fish, suggests that the water quality may have improved in certain areas.
The Des Plaines River Watershed-Based Plan was approved in 2018 by the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency and other organizations. The plan aims to reduce the impacts of water pollution and restore the river's lakes, streams, and wetlands to a healthy condition. This plan recognizes the need to improve water quality in the river and its tributaries to meet Illinois EPA requirements.
While the river has undergone cleanup efforts and there are ongoing plans to improve water quality, it is important to exercise caution. Swimming and wading are prohibited in certain areas to avoid disturbing the sediment and releasing pollutants into the water. Fishing is also allowed, but consuming the fish may not be advisable due to the potential presence of industrial pollutants.
Overall, while the Des Plaines River has faced industrial pollution, efforts are being made to mitigate its effects and restore the waterway to a healthier state. The river remains a popular destination for outdoor activities, and by following guidelines and staying informed about water quality, people can continue to enjoy its recreational opportunities.
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Agricultural runoff impacts water quality
The Des Plaines River flows southward for 133 miles (214 km) through southern Wisconsin and northern Illinois. It is used for recreation and conservation in sections that have been preserved in a natural state. However, the river has a history of industrial pollution, and there are concerns about agricultural runoff impacting water quality.
Agricultural operations can significantly affect water quality due to soil-disturbing activities and the associated impacts from sediment, nutrients, pesticides, and herbicides. Agricultural runoff is the leading cause of water quality issues in rivers and streams, and it is a major environmental concern as it introduces harmful substances into natural water systems. These substances can include pesticides, nitrogen, phosphorus fertilizer, and livestock manure.
In the case of the Des Plaines River, there are concerns about agricultural runoff from lawns and parking lots adjacent to the river, especially south of Libertyville. While there is no recent data available, a paywalled article from 2016 indicates that the river is badly polluted. However, some sections of the river support a diverse range of wildlife, including Great Blue Herons and Bald Eagles, suggesting that water quality may vary along the river.
Agricultural runoff can be managed through various practices to minimize its impact on water quality. These practices include nutrient management, efficient irrigation methods such as drip irrigation, and conservation techniques such as crop rotation and cover cropping. The National Water Quality Initiative (NWQI) and organizations like the Des Plaines River Watershed Workgroup (DRWW) aim to address agricultural water quality issues and improve water quality in the Des Plaines River and its tributaries.
By implementing these practices and working together with stakeholders, it is possible to reduce the impacts of agricultural runoff on water quality and restore affected rivers, streams, and wetlands to a healthy condition.
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The river is home to wildlife
The Des Plaines River is a waterway that flows for 133 miles (214 km) through southern Wisconsin and northern Illinois. It is a tributary of the Mississippi River, and its name means "of the plains" or "of the prairie" in modern Parisian French. The river has a varied character, changing from a prairie creek to a suburban stream, and eventually to a major industrial waterway.
While the river is used for recreation, including kayaking, canoeing, and fishing, there are concerns about water pollution. The Des Plaines River Watershed-Based Plan was approved in 2018 to address these issues and improve water quality. The plan aims to reduce the impacts of pollution and flood damage and restore the river's lakes, streams, and wetlands to a healthy condition.
Despite the pollution concerns, the river is home to a diverse range of wildlife. The sections of the river that flow through natural areas support a variety of plant and animal species. For example, there are large numbers of maples and sycamores that grow along the river, and birds such as Great Blue Herons and Bald Eagles, which feed on the fish from the river. The presence of these bird species indicates that the water quality may not be as poor as previously thought, as they are sensitive to environmental toxins and are unlikely to survive in highly polluted areas.
The river's wildlife is not limited to the birds that feed on its fish. The river also supports a variety of other animal and plant life. The river's natural state is an important habitat for these species, and the ongoing work to improve water quality will help ensure the river remains a healthy ecosystem for them to thrive in.
In conclusion, while the Des Plaines River has faced issues with industrial and agricultural pollution, it is still home to a diverse range of wildlife. The river's natural sections provide a habitat for plants and animals, and the efforts to improve water quality will help ensure the river remains a healthy environment for these species.
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The river's pollution is being addressed by the Des Plaines River Watershed Workgroup
The Des Plaines River is a waterway that flows for 133 miles (214 km) through southern Wisconsin and northern Illinois. It is used for conservation and recreation and is also part of the Illinois and Chicago Area Waterway Systems.
Over the years, the river has been subject to pollution from industrial waste and agricultural runoff. While there was extensive cleanup in the 1980s, pollution remains an issue, with some sections of the river still heavily industrialized.
The DPRWW's efforts are focused on knowledge-sharing and coordination among stakeholders, measuring and tracking the effectiveness of the watershed plan, and periodically updating it. Their work is funded in part by the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency through Section 319 of the Clean Water Act and the Lake County Stormwater Management Commission.
While the river still faces pollution challenges, the DPRWW's work provides a coordinated and dedicated approach to improving water quality and ensuring the river's long-term health. Their efforts are essential in addressing the river's pollution issues and restoring it to a safe and healthy state for both people and wildlife.
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Frequently asked questions
The Des Plaines River is indeed polluted. However, the level of pollution varies depending on the section of the river. The river runs through woodland forest preserve districts in Lake and Cook counties, and through towns like Des Plaines and Forest Park. While there was extensive cleanup of the river in the 1980s, and sections are preserved in a natural state for conservation and recreation, agricultural runoff and industrial pollution remain concerns.
While kayaking, canoeing, and fishing are common activities on the river, swimming and wading are prohibited due to the potential risk of disturbing sediment and releasing pollutants into the water. It is advised to exercise caution and refer to local guidelines when considering activities on the river.
Yes, there are initiatives in place to enhance the water quality and ecosystem of the Des Plaines River. The Des Plaines River Watershed-Based Plan aims to reduce water pollution and flood damage, restore lakes, streams, and wetlands, and meet Illinois EPA requirements. Additionally, the Des Plaines River Watershed Workgroup (DRWW) works to bring together stakeholders to improve water quality in a cost-effective manner.
