Chicago River Hosts First Official Swim in Nearly 100 Years Amid Progress, Political Concerns
In a landmark event, hundreds of people participated in the first organized swim in the Chicago River in almost a century, a testament to the remarkable improvements in water quality. The event, a mile-long loop, was made possible by decades of environmental progress, including the Clean Water Act and local efforts to clean up the river. The Chicago River, once a symbol of industrial pollution, has been transformed, allowing for the return of wildlife and the emergence of recreational activities. While this achievement is celebrated, concerns remain about potential rollbacks in environmental regulations that could threaten the river’s health and the progress made.
John Q. Hosedrinker