Why does the Chicago River smell?

In the 1800s, the river was teeming with human waste, as well as animal products from the meat packing industry – causing foul odors to emanate throughout the city. To make things even more challenging, much of Chicago's drinking water came from these infected waters.

What does the Chicago River smell like?

The Chicago River

Like us, the Chicago River has its good days and not-so-good days. Unlike us, it smells like rotten eggs (or raw sewage) when things get rough.

Why does the river smell like sewage?

Hydrogen sulfide is the gas most likely to cause this sewage smell. It is commonly caused by bacteria that forms in your hot water heater when it is run at low temperatures or turned off for a period of time. Hydrogen sulfide can be smelled at levels as low as . 5 parts per million.

Why does the river smell like sulfur?

Sulfur bacteria are naturally present in groundwater, therefore the smell is most likely due to reactions occurring in your hot water and are not a threat to your health. It isn't uncommon to experience an odd smell coming from your water, especially if your water source is a well or other still supply.

What does Chicago air smell like?

In 2014, DNAinfo spoke with Ian Petchenik, who started tracking where Chicagoans can smell the Bloomer Chocolate factory each day. Petchenik said the map began as a joke after an out-of-town friend mentioned that she noticed the chocolate smell that permeates the air along the Chicago River.

Why does the Chicago River flow backwards?

Why does Chicago Loop smell like chocolate?

West-northwest winds bring the cocoa smell along the river and into the Loop today. The winds will be light, but consistent. Help make the Chicago Chocolate Smell Area map more accurate! If you can smell the Blommer Chocolate Factory, submit a Smell Report here or tweet @ChiCocoaSmell.

Does Lake Michigan smell?

In its gush from the faucet, the water is bringing with it a pungent odor and taste that can only be described as "earthy." It's due to a fragrant crop of dying and rotting algae in Lake Michigan, say water treatment officials.

Why do rivers smell bad?

"The most common of these gases is hydrogen sulfide, the odor of rotten eggs." You have me feeling a bit high, prof, but please go on. "This gas is produced in sediments when organic matter, e.g. plant fragments, dead animals, fish offal, is decomposed by microorganisms in the absence of oxygen decomposition.

Can sulfur in your water harm you?

If the sulfur level in your drinking water is not too high, it shouldn't lead to any health issues. However, too much sulfate could lead to the following problems: Diarrhea and dehydration: Drinking water with a high sulfate content can have a laxative effect and lead to diarrhea, which can then cause dehydration.

Why does my public water smell like rotten eggs?

If your water smells like rotten eggs, that likely indicates the presence of hydrogen sulfide gas. This could be due to a problem with your water heater or naturally occurring sulfur bacteria, especially in well water. These issues can produce hydrogen sulfide, which leaves an unpleasant scent wherever it goes.

Why does it smell like poop in my house?

Possible Causes for the Sewer Smell:

leaks from rotted or cracked drain pipes. a clogged drain. loose-fitting pipe connections. a stopped-up or too-short vent pipe.

Can humans smell water?

Dr. Hoover specializes in the evolution of human smell. "Our Class 1 olfactory receptor genes that detect water-borne odors are switched off, so we can smell water via other compounds in it that get released into the air through a variety of physical processes."

What bacteria smells in water?

Hydrogen sulfide gas (H₂S) can give water a “rotten egg” taste or odor. This gas can occur in wells anywhere and be: Naturally occurring - a result of decay and chemical reactions with soil and rocks. Produced by certain “sulfur bacteria” in the groundwater, well, or plumbing system.

What is at the bottom of the Chicago River?

Now to get all literal, at the very bottom of the river is rock — Niagara limestone, to be exact. According to David M. Solzman's book The Chicago River, the ancient bedrock of the river was formed a few hundred million years ago when what's now Chicago was covered by a salty sea.

How deep is the Chicago River?

How Deep is the Chicago River? At its deepest point, the Chicago River is 21 feet deep. It runs 156 miles from start to finish, with three main branches — North, Main, and South — along the way.

Is the Chicago River polluted?

The Calumet River, along with the lower North Branch of the Chicago River, has been polluted from heavy industry and continues to wrestle with the aftermath of these past and ongoing river uses. Regardless of this variation in uses and history, the whole river system could benefit from being a lot cleaner.

Can you drink water that smells like sulfur?

In most cases drinking water that has a strong rotten egg odor, although particularly unpleasant, is perfectly safe to drink. However in some rare occasions the odor may be caused by sewage or other contaminates in a building's water supply, which could cause health problems.

Why does my water stink?

Bacteria growing in the drain

Bacteria growing in the drain is the most common reason for this smell. Over time, organic matter, like food waste, will accumulate on the walls of the drain and act as a nutrient for bacteria to grow. The bacteria can produce a gas (sulfur) which smells like rotten eggs or sewage.

Is sulfur water good for skin?

It's a Friend to Your Skin

Plus, the mineral content of sulfur springs has been shown to help persisting skin conditions like psoriasis, acne and eczema. In fact, the treatment of ailments with hot sulfur water has such a rich history, we even have a word for it: balneotherapy.

What does a polluted river smell like?

Unpleasant odours in our rivers come in many forms. Rotten egg smells often relate to raw sewage, decomposition of organic matter or low oxygen levels. Sharp smells may indicate (agro-) chemicals and gas smells suggest industrial sources, waste water or pollution from waste.

What does a dirty river smell like?

Smells that may be described as fishy, soil-like, or musky are most likely natural smells. You may pick up non-natural smells, such as chlorine (similar to a chlorinated swimming pool), sulfide (smells like rotten eggs), sewage, manure, or chemicals.

What makes lakes smell bad?

When the oxygen supply is low, bacteria break down the waste at the bottom of the pond or lake. As a result of this decomposition process, the water develops carbon dioxide and hydrogen sulfide. Once the weather gets warmer in the spring, the warm air rises and produces an unpleasant smell.

Why is Chicago tap water cloudy?

My water is cloudy or white:

Bubbles, which are harmless, come from a variety of sources, such as bends in pipes, temperature changes, and aerators (the small mesh part on the end of your faucet). This is more likely to happen in the winter.

Is Chicago water chlorinated?

Chicago disinfects its water with chlorine, which can leave haloacetic acids and trihalomethanes. Both have been found in Chicago's water, though at levels well below the maximum contamination levels set by the EPA.

What is the green slime in Lake Michigan?

Cladophora – Natural Green Algae

Cladophora is a green algae found naturally along the Great Lakes coastlines. It does not produce toxins the way blue-green algae can. It grows on submerged rocks, logs or other hard surfaces.