Chicago's Deep, Dark Secret: The Tunnel and Reservoir Plan
So, you've heard whispers about a giant, underground tunnel system in Chicago. You're probably picturing something out of a spy movie, right? Agents in suits, laser grids, and maybe even a Bond villain with a penchant for world domination. Well, I've got some news for you: it’s not quite that exciting.
What is this Deep Tunnel Thing, Anyway?
Let's clear something up: it's not a secret lair for Batman or a playground for giant rats. It's actually called the Tunnel and Reservoir Plan, or TARP for short. Now, before you start thinking this is some kind of government experiment gone awry, let me assure you, it’s much less sinister.
TARP is basically a massive underground plumbing system. Think of it as the world’s most expensive and complex toilet. It's designed to handle all that nasty stuff that usually ends up flooding basements and polluting our beloved Lake Michigan.
Why Do We Need a Giant Underground Toilet?
Chicago, being the lovely city that it is, has a problem. When it rains, really rains, the combined sewer system gets overwhelmed. This means that raw sewage can mix with rainwater and overflow into our rivers and lakes. Not exactly a refreshing swim, right?
Enter TARP. This underground marvel collects all that nasty stuff, holds it until things calm down, and then treats it properly. It's like a superhero for our waterways.
But is it Really That Big?
Oh, you betcha. We're talking about over 100 miles of tunnels, some as big as a three-story building! It's like a subterranean city for... well, for water. And it's not just tunnels. There are also massive reservoirs that can hold billions of gallons of water. It’s basically a water storage facility on steroids.
So, No Secret Lair, Then?
Nope, sorry to disappoint. But hey, knowing that your city has a super-powered plumbing system is pretty cool, right? Plus, it’s a testament to human ingenuity. Who would have thought we could build something so massive and complex to solve such a gross problem?
How To... Deep Tunnel Edition
- How to impress your friends with useless knowledge: Tell them about the Deep Tunnel and use words like "hydrology" and "combined sewer overflow."
- How to feel better about your own plumbing: Compare your tiny pipes to the colossal tunnels underground.
- How to appreciate clean water: Remember that the next time you take a shower, you're indirectly thanking the Deep Tunnel.
- How to become a civil engineer: If you're fascinated by massive infrastructure projects, this could be your calling.
- How to avoid swimming in sewage: Stay out of Chicago's rivers after a heavy rain. Duh.