Is the Chicago River a Swimming Pool (or a Toilet)?
Let's talk about the Chicago River. It’s a bit like that uncle you have who's always got a wild story to tell. You know, the one who claims to have wrestled a bear once? Well, the Chicago River has its own set of tall tales, and one of the biggest whoppers is whether or not it’s a giant, urban toilet.
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| Is There Sewage In The Chicago River |
The Great River Reversal
You see, back in the day, Chicago was like a kid who didn’t want to share their toys. They didn’t want their sewage ending up in Lake Michigan, their drinking water source. So, in a move that would make MacGyver proud, they reversed the flow of the Chicago River! It's like saying, "Nope, not sharing!" to nature.
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So, Is It Clean Now?
Well, not exactly a crystal-clear swimming pool. While they've made huge strides in cleaning up the river, it's still not quite ready for a cannonball contest. Think of it like this: it’s a work in progress, and they’re adding chlorine (or rather, wastewater treatment) slowly but surely.
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Those Pesky Overflows
One of the river's biggest challenges is something called Combined Sewer Overflows (CSOs). Basically, when it rains really hard, the system can get overwhelmed, and oops, out comes some unwanted stuff. It’s like when your bathtub overflows and you’re frantically trying to plug it with a towel. But on a much, much larger scale.
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The River's Future Looks Bright
Despite the occasional hiccup, the Chicago River is making a comeback. There are efforts to create more green spaces along the river, and people are actually enjoying spending time there. It’s like watching a caterpillar slowly transform into a butterfly. Okay, maybe not that dramatic, but you get the idea.
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How to... River Facts
- How to avoid swimming in sewage: Check the local news for any CSO alerts. If you see a sign that says "No Swimming," heed it!
- How to help the river: Reduce your water usage, properly dispose of waste, and support organizations working to clean up the river.
- How to enjoy the river: Take a boat tour, go for a walk along the riverfront, or simply admire the view.
- How to learn more: Visit the websites of the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District (MWRD) and Friends of the Chicago River.
- How to impress your friends: Drop some knowledge about the Great Stink of London and compare it to Chicago's river reversal.
So, while the Chicago River might not be the cleanest body of water around, it’s definitely on the road to recovery. And hey, it’s a lot more interesting than your average suburban pond!
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