Officials Outline Plan to Keep Chicago River Swimmable

Metropolitan Water Reclamation District officials, led by President Kari K. Steele, outlined how they monitor and manage water quality to keep the Chicago River safe for swimming, highlighting ongoing efforts to meet health standards.

On Monday, September 14, 2026, representatives of the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago, headed by President Kari K. Steele, briefed the public on how the agency works to maintain water quality standards that permit swimming in the Chicago River. The briefing emphasized the district’s ongoing responsibility to ensure the river meets health criteria for safe public use.

The district officials explained that their approach relies on a continuous program of water monitoring, treatment adjustments, and infrastructure maintenance. By tracking water conditions and responding promptly to any changes, the agency aims to keep contaminant levels below thresholds set by health authorities. Steele highlighted that the district coordinates closely with city partners to address sources of pollution and to manage storm‑water runoff that can affect river quality.

The Chicago River, once notorious for severe pollution, has been the focus of decades‑long remediation efforts involving multiple government bodies. Over the years, the combined work of local and regional agencies has led to measurable improvements in clarity and overall health of the waterway. The latest explanations from the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District underscore how those long‑term initiatives are being sustained to support recreational use, including swimming.

Maintaining a swimmable river requires adherence to state and federal water‑quality standards, and the district’s staff said they regularly review these guidelines to ensure compliance. The agency also invests in upgrades to its treatment facilities and works to reduce the impact of combined sewer overflows, actions that contribute to keeping the river within acceptable limits for public health.

The officials concluded by reaffirming their commitment to the river’s continued recovery and to providing Chicago residents with a clean, safe environment for recreation. Their statements reflect a broader municipal goal of turning the Chicago River into a vibrant public asset while protecting public health.