The Chicago River has a rich history that dates back to the early 19th century when the city of Chicago was first established. The river served as a source of drinking water, transportation, and commerce for the rapidly growing city.

In the early years, the Chicago River was considered a natural wonder, with clear and clean water, abundant wildlife, and an intricate network of canals and lakes. The river was also used to transport goods and people to and from the city, and soon became an important hub for the shipping industry.

However, as the city continued to grow and industrialize, the quality of the water in the river rapidly declined. Raw sewage, industrial waste, and other pollutants were dumped into the river, turning it into a public health hazard. This led to a series of public health crises, including outbreaks of cholera and other diseases.

To address the growing problem, city officials began to implement measures to clean up the river. In 1900, the Sanitary District of Chicago was established to reverse the flow of the river, so that it flowed away from Lake Michigan, the source of drinking water for the city. The district also began to build a series of canals, locks, and wastewater treatment plants to help clean up the river.

Despite these efforts, the Chicago River remained an industrial waterway for many years. In the mid-20th century, the river was used to transport petroleum, coal, and other raw materials to the city's numerous factories. In the late 20th century, the river was finally transformed into a recreational waterway, with parks, boat tours, and other amenities for residents and tourists to enjoy.

Today, the Chicago River is once again considered a natural wonder, with clear water, diverse wildlife, and a thriving ecosystem. The river remains an important part of the city's history and culture, and serves as a testament to the power of human ingenuity and resilience.

(Below is a WTTW uploaded tour of the Chicago River with Geoffrey Bear, this tour is a Chicago favorite!)

A Chicago water certificate is a document issued by the City of Chicago that certifies that a property has been connected to the city's water supply system and that all fees and charges for the connection have been paid. The certificate is typically required when a property is sold or transferred, and it serves as proof that the property has a legal and functional connection to the city's water supply. If you are buying a property in Chicago and need a water certificate, you should contact the City of Chicago Department of Water Management to request one. https://www.chicagofpcservice.com/