Testing by the Cook County agency handling sewage and storm water shows high levels of bacteria from human waste at more than a dozen spots along the Chicago River.
The Metropolitan Water Reclamation District found that levels of disease-causing germs in the river routinely exceed state standards for recreational waterways.
But city officials don't plan to begin informing the public about potential health threats in the Chicago River, like they do with Lake Michigan beaches.
New disinfection equipment will be installed next summer in an effort to make the river safer.
