CBS National News Spotlights Urban River Revitalization, Need to Protect Clean Water
River restoration progress in Portland and Chicago is example for rivers nationwide
Contact:
Amy Souers Kober, American Rivers, akober@americanrivers.org, 503-708-1145
Willie Levenson, Human Access Project, willie@humanaccessproject.com, 503-936-6920
(Portland, Oregon) – The health of rivers in our nation’s cities including Portland and Chicago is on the rebound, but clean water and public health remain at risk unless the nation strengthens clean water protections. A new “Eye on America” CBS News story with Jim Axelrod that aired Monday, October 21 explores lessons from the Willamette and Chicago Rivers.
“The genesis of why Portland can swim in the Willamette River downtown today is thanks to the toolkit of strong federal clean water protections,” says Willie Levenson, executive director of the Human Access Project.
“It’s easy for many to give up on rivers in our largest urban centers,” Levenson says. “A lot of cities are impacted by pollution levels that seem too challenging to solve, and lack of access to the river’s edge. But two of our nation’s cities, Portland and Chicago, are leading the way and writing the playbook for other cities to reclaim their urban waterways for improved river health, public health, and recreation.”
“The Willamette River is Portland’s second largest public space and natural area, and is owned by the citizens of Oregon. A swimmable river is every urban city’s untapped source of livability, and in Portland our river asset is slowly but surely being embraced. Portland was one of the very first cities internationally to successfully manage removing sewage overflow into our river. It is exciting to see other cities following Portland’s lead and to be a part of what has become an international urban swimming movement.”
More than 80 percent of people in our country live in cities, and most live within a mile of a river. Yet many urban rivers and streams are unhealthy and polluted, have been paved over, and used as dumping grounds. This means a large portion of our population lacks access to clean, natural places crucial for health and wellness. Polluted rivers don’t just impact their immediate surroundings — they impact entire ecosystems downstream.
“Portland and Chicago demonstrate that people don’t have to accept pollution, and that there is a big prize at the other end for doing the work to reclaim urban waterways for people and wildlife,” says Levenson.
“It is fantastic to see the progress on rivers like the Willamette and Chicago, and it’s so important that we keep this positive momentum going,” said Amy Souers Kober, Vice President for Communications at American Rivers. “People want safe, clean water because it’s vital for our health. But polluters are working to weaken clean water protections for rivers nationwide, and water infrastructure is aging, increasing the threat of pollution. Voters can ensure we don’t go backwards. We can use our voices at the ballot box and we can support candidates who protect water and rivers.
“Safe, clean, reliable water is a bipartisan issue because it is a basic need and a human right that connects us all. No matter who you are or where you live, each and every one of us deserves clean water and a healthy river.”
Learn more: The Best Cities are River Cities
About American Rivers
American Rivers is championing a national effort to protect and restore all rivers, from remote mountain streams to urban waterways. Healthy rivers provide people and nature with clean, abundant water and natural habitat. For 50 years, American Rivers staff, supporters, and partners have shared a common belief: Life Depends on Rivers. For more information, please visit www.AmericanRivers.org
About the Human Access Project
Human Access Project, formed in 2010, is a nonprofit organization based in Portland, Oregon. Our role in the community is catalyzing cultural change around how people feel about and interact with the Willamette River. We want the community to view the Willamette River as an asset, something to be valued and protected. We want to foster and drive a connection between the people of Portland and the river that runs through our community. More information can be found at humanaccessproject.com