Chicago Sanitary and Ship Canal

The Chicago Sanitary and Ship Canal is a major waterway built in the early 20th century to improve Chicago’s wastewater management and navigation. It connects the Chicago River to the Illinois River, allowing sewage and stormwater to flow away from the city’s lakes and into the Mississippi River system. This reduced pollution in Lake Michigan, which supplies Chicago’s drinking water, and also facilitated commercial shipping. The canal plays a crucial role in managing water quality and transportation between the Great Lakes and inland waterways, helping to protect public health and support regional commerce.