The investments the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago has made in protecting our waterways has yielded positive results, cleaner waterways, and a surge in recreational activity and economic development. However, like all natural bodies of water, our river contains wildlife and bacteria. Anyone considering contact with natural water bodies such as the Chicago Area Waterway System (CAWS) should consult with their physician. Although water quality is improved, many hazards exist on the waterways due to boat traffic, currents, temperature, and lack of ingress and egress to name a few. As a result, the CAWS is not designed for swimming.

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