After reading Saturday’s editorial about the Chicago Riverwalk, I offer that the Chicago River is primarily commercial, not recreational, and meant to convey wastewater away from Lake Michigan. It is interesting that the Tribune published this editorial after two days of heavy rains, when the river was performing its purpose, carrying storm flow away from the city.
One can still partake of the facilities if it is kept in mind that this isn’t poolside nor Lake Michigan, and is no different than many other cities along waterways.
By the way, the water is cleaner downtown because 10,000 cubic feet per second is drawn from the lake.
The Tribune infers change to cure the system, referring to combined sewers under 6,000 miles of streets and alleys. The cost of separating them would make Chicago’s deficits for pensions and schools look paltry. Disinfection of the stated 333 million gallons a day from the O’Brien Plant would have no effect on the flooding from storms coming out of the North Branch in Albany Park.
— Fred J. Wittenberg, Evanston
