Openlands Pushes MWRD Again to Clean Up Chicago Area Waterways

June 7, 2011
Contact: Charles Mutscheller, 312-863-6260

CHICAGO, IL—Openlands is reasserting pressure on the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago (MWRD) to protect the growing numbers of residents and visitors who recreate in and along the region’s waterways by disinfecting billions of gallons of effluent dumped into area rivers every day.

Openlands will testify in favor of disinfection again today at a special study session called by MWRD to address the issue. MWRD could vote on disinfection as early as this afternoon.

“The financial argument against disinfection doesn’t hold water anymore. From Skokie to the Calumet area, Chicagoland communities have very deliberately devoted millions of dollars to building boat launches and developing riverfront trails and access points for the sole purpose of getting people onto the water,” said Openlands President & CEO Jerry Adelmann.

“MWRD has the opportunity today to leverage our significant investments and cast a landmark vote that finally treats Chicago’s rivers as both a recreational asset and an economic driver for the entire region,” added Adelmann.

According to a study released by the Illinois Attorney General’s office, “Restoring water quality would provide a $1 billion boost to the economy—from recreation alone—in the next 20 years.” Moreover, a recent U.S. Environmental Protection Agency report found that disinfecting at the Calumet and North Side MWRD plants is entirely affordable—about $0.90 per household per month. This cost could be even less if U.S. Senator Dick Durbin helps MWRD find federal funding, which he pledged to do two weeks ago.

Openlands, co-author of the Northeastern Illinois Regional Water Trails Plan and an outspoken advocate for expanding recreational opportunities on the region’s many creeks, streams, and rivers, is part of a coalition of local environmental groups that have been calling on MWRD to disinfect for many years. Other members of the coalition include Environmental Law and Policy Center, Friends of the Chicago River, National Resources Defense Council, and the Illinois chapter of the Sierra Club.

Founded in 1963, Openlands protects the natural and open spaces of northeastern Illinois and the surrounding region to ensure cleaner air and water, protect natural habitats and wildlife, and help balance and enrich our lives.