Chicago River

Chicago River Reversal Map

The diversion of the river is shocking. It is hard to believe that the Chicago River used to be a cest pool to the extent of needing to find an alternative to letting it run into the lake. While the Chicago Plan boasts about plans for the beautification of the waterfront, there isn't much mention of the state in which Lake Michigan finds itself during this whole process. Perhaps part of the diversion plan for the river did indeed have the state of the lake in mind and perhaps it was already in such a state that the river simply HAD to be diverted. Another interesting fact is that the tradition of dying the river green for St Patricks day orginited when a group of plumbers flourescine dye to trace illegal substances that were polluting the river. The majic that dyes the river today is kept secret but it must be better for the water than the flourescine, but there is no guarantee. The Chicagans can't be bothered with these effects since the river doesn't even run into their beach anymore.