RESOLUTION FOR BOARD MEETING OF SEPTEMBER 3, 2026
Title
RESOLUTION sponsored by the Board of Commissioners recognizing the Chicago River Swim
Body
WHEREAS, the Chicago Area Waterway System (CAWS) comprises approximately 76.1 miles of canals and modified natural rivers, which flow through one of the largest metropolitan regions in the United States, connecting communities, industry, parks, and natural areas across the Chicago region; and
WHEREAS, these waterways are a defining feature of Chicago’s history and future, supporting wildlife habitat, recreation, commerce, and public life; and
WHEREAS, a goal of the Clean Water Act is that water quality standards should, wherever attainable, provide water quality for the protection and propagation of fish, shellfish and recreation in and on the water; and
WHEREAS, since 1889, the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago has protected public health and the environment through wastewater treatment, stormwater management, and water resource stewardship, treating about 1.3 billion gallons of wastewater each day before it is safely returned to area waterways; and
WHEREAS, decades of investment in wastewater treatment, stormwater management, and river restoration by the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago and its regional partners have significantly improved water quality and ecological conditions in the CAWS, resulting in an increase in the quantity and variety of fish living in the CAWS from just 10 species of fish in the early 1970s to over 75 species today; and
WHEREAS, these improvements have also led to increased public use of the river system for activities such as paddling, fishing, and nature observation, demonstrating the growing role of the waterways as a public resource for residents across the region; and
WHEREAS, the Chicago River Swim began in 2025 marking a historic milestone as the first organized open water swim in the Chicago River in 98 years; and
WHEREAS, the Chicago River Swim demonstrates the progress achieved through decades of public investment, scientific innovation, environmental stewardship, and collaboration among governmental agencies, nonprofit organizations, and community advocates working to restore the health of the CAWS; and
WHEREAS, on March 12, 2026, President Kari K. Steele joined organizers of the Chicago River Swim to announce plans for a second Chicago River Swim on September 20, 2026 celebrating the remarkable transformation of one of the nation's most iconic urban waterways and providing participants with a unique recreational experience in the heart of downtown Chicago; and
WHEREAS, the Chicago River Swim was founded under the leadership of CEO Doug McConnell, an award-winning open water swimmer for more than 50 years who has swum some of the world’s most challenging routes, including the English Channel, Hawaii’s Ka’iwi Channel, and the Manhattan Island Marathon Swim; and
WHEREAS, continued progress toward cleaner waterways should be accompanied by water safety education, awareness of environmental conditions, and managed opportunities for water access that help residents safely enjoy the waterways; and
WHEREAS, continued investment in water quality improvements, green stormwater infrastructure, and watershed-based planning will be essential to help build climate change resiliency, address more intense rainfall events, and support accessibility for the public to safely interact with the waterways; and
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that we, the Board of Commissioners of the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago, affirm the importance of healthier waterways and do hereby recognize the Chicago River Swim; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that this Resolution be spread upon the permanent Record of Proceedings of the Board of Commissioners of the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago.
Dated: September 3, 2026