Chicago Archives - Circle of Blue

A digital rendering shows an aerial view of the future Illinois Quantum and Microelectronics Park on the shoreline of Lake Michigan in Chicago.

Chicago’s “Quantum Prairie” Promises New Era of Great Lakes Technology and Water Use

by Christiana Freitag August 4, 2025August 5, 2025

Where the mouth of the Calumet River meets Lake Michigan on Chicago’s Southeast Side is an abandoned lakefront parcel where one of the world’s largest steel mills once operated. For over 100 years, U.S. Steel South Works provided jobs to over 20,000 Chicagoans at its peak and served as one of the Windy City’s largest […]

Chicago’s New Mayor, In Rare Move, Considers Water Shutoff Ban

by Brett Walton June 19, 2019June 20, 2019

Great Lakes, Pollution, Water News, Water Policy

Binational Lake Erie Phosphorus Targets Proposed to Curb Algae

by Codi Kozacek June 26, 2015June 30, 2021

Water, Food, and Ecuador

by Circle of Blue June 22, 2015March 14, 2016

Infographic: Price of Water in 30 Major U.S. Cities (2010-2015)

by Kaye LaFond April 24, 2015October 17, 2016

Asian Carp Swarm South of Chicago As Consensus on Permanent Solution Eludes Nation

by Codi Kozacek March 11, 2015March 28, 2025

Great Lakes Mayors Ask State and Federal Governments to Step Up On Algae

by Codi Kozacek September 26, 2014March 17, 2016

Water News, Water Policy

Study: Army Corps of Engineers Release Ways to Keep Asian Carp Out of Great Lakes

by Codi Kozacek January 13, 2014June 23, 2016

Water News, Water Pricing

The Price of Water 2013: Up Nearly 7 Percent in Last Year in 30 Major U.S. Cities; 25 Percent Rise Since 2010

by Brett Walton June 5, 2013May 18, 2017

The Stream, April 19: Drought-hit Midwest Pummeled by Rains

by Codi Kozacek April 19, 2013May 13, 2013

Great Lakes, Water News

Report: Why Asian Carp eDNA Still Matters in the Fight for the Great Lakes

by Codi Kozacek March 27, 2013November 19, 2015

The Stream, December 13: Drier Future Ahead for Colorado River-dependent States

by Andrew Maddocks December 13, 2012January 21, 2013

Latest

EPA Reversal Opens the Door to More Mercury Pollution

EPA Reversal Opens the Door to More Mercury Pollution

Federal pollution exemptions for coal plants reverse decades of progress on toxic air and water pollution.

March 25, 2026March 25, 2026

Consumers seeks to delay millions in flood control upgrades as it pursues dam sales

Consumers seeks to delay millions in flood control upgrades as it pursues dam sales

March 24, 2026March 24, 2026

Global Collapse of Migratory Freshwater Fish Drives Calls for Transboundary Cooperation

Global Collapse of Migratory Freshwater Fish Drives Calls for Transboundary Cooperation

New report finds 81 percent population decline since 1970, reflecting broader deterioration of river health worldwide

March 24, 2026

Could Iran Disrupt the Gulf Countries’ Desalinated Water Supplies?

Could Iran Disrupt the Gulf Countries’ Desalinated Water Supplies?

March 23, 2026March 25, 2026

The Great Lakes Are Wasting a Massive Source of Clean Energy

The Great Lakes Are Wasting a Massive Source of Clean Energy

Huge potential gains from using waste heat from sewers, data centers, and power plants.

March 19, 2026March 19, 2026

In Search of ‘Earned Hope’ on the Colorado River: A Conversation with Photographer Pete McBride

In Search of ‘Earned Hope’ on the Colorado River: A Conversation with Photographer Pete McBride

New book details McBride’s lifelong love affair with his “backyard river.”

March 18, 2026March 18, 2026

Great Lakes States Face a Data Center Governance Gap

Great Lakes States Face a Data Center Governance Gap

New regional guides navigate environmental and regulatory blind spots surrounding the AI infrastructure boom.

March 12, 2026March 23, 2026

From Pre-Civil War to Present, U.S. Drinking Water Pipes Show a Range of Ages

From Pre-Civil War to Present, U.S. Drinking Water Pipes Show a Range of Ages

Replacing water mains is one of the largest infrastructure budget items for many U.S. water utilities.

March 11, 2026