 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
|
 What Your City Does:
Water Quality
Chicago owes its world-class status largely to its position along the shore of Lake Michigan and its proximity to such waterways as the Chicago River, Lake Calumet, and many other streams, wetlands, and lagoons.
This interconnected system acts as a complex transportation and trade network and also provides us with freshwater and recreational resources—all of which are valuable assets that require a strong water-management policy.
To ensure the preservation of our treasured waterways for future generations, the City of Chicago has created several pioneering techniques and programs.
 |
Water Agenda
Mayor Daley has launched a comprehensive Water Agenda to show the City of Chicago’s commitment toward improved water conservation and resource management.
Critical to maintaining the regions waterways, the Water Agenda outlines four key initiatives: (1) conserving water, (2) protecting water quality, (3) managing stormwater, and (4) outreach and mobilization.
Within each of these areas, the Water Agenda identifies many specific action items, a few of which include improving water distribution systems and stormwater management. Full details can be found at the City of Chicago’s Department of Water Management website.
top |
|
Stormwater Best Management Practices
As rainwater rushes off of rooftops and pavements, it carries large amounts of silt, oil, and chemicals that pollute our water supply. Excessive amounts of stormwater also cause erosion, flood streets, and clog our sewers.
As an important first step in implementing Chicago’s Water Agenda, the Department of Environment is printing a guide demonstrating the use of several Best Management Practices (BMPs) for stormwater runoff. These practices include disconnecting downspouts and installing permeable pavement, rain gardens, and drainage swales to absorb rather than divert excess water.
Rooftop gardens like the one pictured here atop City hall can also help the problem. Not only do these lush green spaces soak up stormwater; they also keep buildings cooler, purify the air, save energy, extend the useful life of a roof, and add beauty and usable space to any building.
top |
|
Shoreline Protection Project
Chicago's shoreline is largely man-made, constructed on landfill about 1,500 feet wide. The Field Museum is just one of the many structures you’ll find along the shoreline.
Filled in over the course of the last century to create additional land and recreation areas, Chicago's lakefront now requires additional protection to prevent further storm damage and erosion.
The City of Chicago has initiated a major project to reconstruct the revetments (the embankment support made of wood piles and stones) along eight miles of the Chicago shoreline. The plan is to maintain safe access to the shoreline while preserving its historical and aesthetic value.
top |
Find Out More
For details on any of these programs, check out the Chicago Department of Environment website.
Introduction | Investigate Biodiversity | YBC | Meet the Scientist | Explore Global Diversity | Events and Programs | Take Action! | Teaching Biodiversity | Biodiversity Exhibition | Credits
|
|
|
|
|
|
 |
