Chicago River’s Monumental Clean-Up: Perfect for Swimming – A Transformative Day for the Community

More than 250 swimmers took a leap into the Chicago River last Sunday, celebrating the first open-water swim in nearly a century. This event was organized by the local nonprofit A Long Swim, aiming to raise awareness for ALS research at Northwestern University and promote swim safety for kids in at-risk communities.

This swim symbolizes a huge turnaround for the Chicago River, which used to be a dumping ground for waste. “This is a monumental day for Chicago and its river system,” said Margaret Frisbie, executive director of Friends of the Chicago River. She emphasized that cities that prioritize clean water create healthier living environments for their residents.

Cities worldwide, like Paris, are also cleaning their rivers for recreation. With the upcoming 2024 Olympics, Paris has committed to making the Seine swim-ready, though recent tests showed fluctuating E. coli levels, raising concerns about safety.

Leading up to the Chicago event, heavy rain caused questions about water quality. However, tests from the University of Illinois Chicago reassured participants that the river was safe. The tests showed very low levels of harmful bacteria, clearing the way for excited swimmers.

As the sun began to rise, participants donned their swim gear—bright caps and buoyancy aids—and took their marks. Each swimmer had raised at least $1,250 to join in, highlighting the community’s support.

Patrick Connor, a local swimmer, expressed his excitement and pride. He recalled a time when the river was too polluted to swim in and remarked on how incredible it was to see this transformation.

Historically, the river was infamous for its pollution. In fact, a notorious incident in 2004 involved a tour bus dumping waste into the river, creating waves of concern among locals. Today, however, things have changed significantly.

Years of investment have transformed the Chicago River. Angela Tovar, the city’s Department of Environment Commissioner, noted the efforts made since the 1970s to improve water quality. Projects like the Tunnel and Reservoir Plan have played a major role in managing stormwater and sewage, making the water swimmable.

Deanna Doohaluk, a senior planner at the Conservation Foundation, reflected on how urban rivers are now viewed as assets rather than waste sites. She shared her experiences swimming in urban rivers and praised Chicago’s efforts to integrate the river into the community.

On the day of the swim, passionate and hopeful swimmers glided through the water, cheered on by volunteers. Many left the river feeling proud and relieved, noting its improved condition. As one local joked, “Did you see any bodies?” She responded, “Nope, just clear water!”

This historic event not only highlights a local achievement but also signals a broader global trend. Cities are recognizing the importance of clean waterways for recreational use and public health. The journey of the Chicago River serves as a reminder of the positive change that can happen through community effort and commitment to environmental health.

For more insights into the environmental recovery efforts worldwide, check out the Environmental Protection Agency’s reports.

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