In an event that would have been unthinkable just a generation ago, hundreds of swimmers plunged into the Chicago River on Saturday for the city's first officially sanctioned swimming event in over half a century. The occasion marks a stunning environmental milestone for a waterway once so polluted it was considered little more than an open industrial sewer.
A Watershed Moment for Urban Renewal
The 'Big Shoulders Swim', organised by the activist group Urban Rivers, saw participants tackle a 1.5-mile course between Clark Street and LaSalle Drive. This stretch of the river, which for decades was notorious for its dangerous levels of bacteria and industrial contaminants, has undergone a remarkable transformation thanks to a massive, multi-billion dollar infrastructure project.
'This is a testament to decades of effort and investment,' said an organiser, visibly emotional at the sight of swimmers navigating waters that were once strictly off-limits. 'We've turned a liability into a community asset.'
From Industrial Sewer to Swimmable Asset
The river's history is a stark contrast to Saturday's celebration. For most of the 20th century, it was a receptacle for stockyard waste and untreated sewage. The practice of reversing its flow in 1900 to protect Lake Michigan drinking water simply diverted the problem downstream, earning it a infamous reputation.
The turning point came in 2011, when the Environmental Protection Agency ordered authorities to make the river safe for 'recreation in and on the water'. This mandate triggered the monumental Deep Tunnel project and disinfection upgrades at major sewage plants, drastically reducing the bacterial load and combined sewer overflows that once poisoned the river.
Safety First: A Cautious Celebration
Despite the progress, organisers took no chances. The event was meticulously planned for late September, a period of lower rainfall that minimises the risk of sewage overflows. Participants were advised to take precautionary hygiene measures, a reminder that the river's recovery, while impressive, is an ongoing process.
The success of the swim signals a new chapter not just for Chicago's environment, but for its civic identity. It proves that with political will and sustained investment, even the most damaged urban waterways can be brought back to life, offering residents a new way to connect with their city.
