Exploring Water Justice During Chicago Climate Week

As part of Chicago Climate Week (July 18 – 25), Friends of the Chicago River’s Director of Equity and Engagement Becky Lyons and Watershed Policy Manager Tessa Murray joined the Illinois Environmental Council’s Water Justice Bus Tour this week to explore the intersection of environmental justice, water infrastructure, and river restoration across Chicago. The tour was also joined by 12th Ward Ald. Julia Ramirez and State Rep. Theresa Mah, who participated in discussions about the challenges and opportunities facing Chicago's waterways and communities. Chicago Climate Week is a community-driven initiative organized by a coalition of local climate advocates, organizations, and community leaders from across the Chicago region.

The tour included stops at McKinley Park, Bubbly Creek, and Plumbers Local 130’s training facility. At McKinley Park, leaders from Neighbors for Environmental Justice and the Chicago Environmental Justice Network discussed ongoing community efforts to address industrial pollution, including advocacy related to MAT Asphalt operations in McKinley Park, and the Hazel M. Johnson Cumulative Impacts Ordinance, which would require the city to consider the combined impacts of pollution before approving new industrial developments.

At Canal Origins Park on Bubbly Creek, Lyons and Murray were joined by partners from the McKinley Park Development Council and Urban Rivers to share the story of one of the river system’s most iconic waterways. They reflected on Bubbly Creek’s history of industrial pollution, the remarkable transformation driven by restoration efforts and community partnerships, and the important work that remains ahead including addressing combined sewer overflows and legacy sediments. They highlighted Friends' advocacy to improve water quality, restore habitat, expand public access, and advance policies and investments that will continue Bubbly Creek’s recovery for people, water, and wildlife.

The event concluded at Plumbers Local 130, where participants learned about innovative rainwater harvesting and water reuse applications that demonstrate how modern water infrastructure can conserve resources, reduce flooding, and help communities adapt to a changing climate.

The tour underscored that, after a month of unprecedented rainfall, extreme heat, poor air quality, and flooding, building resilient communities through partnership, advocacy, and innovative water solutions is more important than ever.