Water

With the Lake Michigan to the east and the Chicago River winding through the heart of the city, Chicago maintains valuable water resources. Preservation of the lakeshore ensures clean drinking water and beaches while restoration of the Chicago River opens the city to more recreational opportunities. Explore the links below to learn more about water in Chicago and how you can help protect and conserve it.

Get Involved

  • Rain Ready - helps neighborhoods fight flooding and keep homes and businesses dry. An initiative of the Center for Neighborhood Technology in partnership with the City of Chicago.

Learn More

  • Green Stormwater Infrastructure Strategy - This is an archival document. Released in April 2014, this docuement was the City’s strategy to increase the use of green stormwater infrastructure through an investment of $50 million over 5 years as well as plan for the future through additional analysis concerning long-range stormwater infrastructure strategies and needs.

  • Chicago River Agenda - This agenda was developed to guide the City toward its vision of the Chicago River as our Second Shoreline.

  • Downspout Disconnection - Find out how to disconnect your downspout to reduce the frequency of basement flooding and combined sewer overflows.

  • Water Conservation - Look for ways to conserve water in and around your home and place of work.