Program Details 2024*
Title
Metro Chicago Water Systems, Ensuring Healthy and Sustainable Resources
Description
A long canal, surmounting the subcontinental divide, allowed the polluted river to flow away by gravity to the Mississippi River. Eventually, construction of sewage collection and treatment infrastructure cleaned up the river. The construction of a huge tunnel and reservoir system to capture and treat all combined sewer overflow. Initial opposition to the diversion of Lake Michigan water was resolved through litigation, protecting the lake, providing water for navigation on the Illinois Waterway, and providing safe drinking water for Northeast Illinois.
Presenter’s Name
Richard Lanyon
Presenter’s Website
Presenter’s Bio
Former Executive Director of the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago, Professional Engineer, author of four books, speaker, Urban water historian and specialist, former member of the Evanston City Council and Evanston Library Board, former chair of the Evanston Utilities Commission, appointed to the National Association of Clean Water Agencies Hall of Fame
*Note: This program was offered last year and may or may not be offered again this year.
