The Chicago River, more than many urban rivers, has been contorted to fit the city. Engineers reversed the river's natural flow around 120 years ago to push sewage downstream. Since then, the river has been polluted by meat industry kill floors, invaded by carp, and befouled by Dave Matthews' Band's tour bus poop. Despite these very gross challenges, Chicago is one of several major cities around the world that's promised to make its rivers swimmable. Chicago made the pledge back in 2016, saying swimmers would be able to dip into the river by 2030.

http://thechicagocouncil.org/commentary-and-analysis/blogs/stinky-ditch-how-chicago-beijing-and-paris-are-making-their-rivers

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