This is a St. Patrick’s Day repost, with new photos and updates from various sources.
Well, now, look what we have here!
On March 14, 2026, the Chicago Plumbers Union Local 130 again had the honor of bestowing the Chicago River with its neon green color. Since 1962, a vegetable dye has been used to create this incredible sight:
[courtesy: blockclubchicago.com]
For reassurance that the St. Patrick’s Day dye is environmentally safe, my research showed that a switch was made in 1966 from a petroleum-based formula to a biodegradable vegetable formula. This formula meets the National Sanitation Foundation standards.
It is also considered non-toxic by the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
A 2024–2025 study led by the Shedd Aquarium and other institutions tracked fish behavior during the event and found no signs of stress, ensuring the spectacle has minimal environmental impact.
Here is the full story on the Sierra Club’s environmental impact.
Here are some more pictures of the colorful (St. Patrick’s Day) Chicago River:
[courtesy: nbcchicago.com]
[courtesy: blockclubchicago.com]
[courtesy: @ArchitectureHub on IG]
[courtesy: @sam99929 at pixabay.com]
[courtesy: blockclubchicago.com]
Happy St. Patrick’s Day, one and all! I hope you have a delightful, four-leaf clover kind of day!
The Chicago Files 