Old Waterways Are New Again

Suddenly, the Bronx River in Yonkers, N.Y., is 1,900 feet longer. Seoul, South Korea, is reconnecting with its ancient and beloved creek, Cheonggyecheon.

The idea of "rediscovering" waterways sounds strange, until you realize that they have been buried for years, decades, or even centuries. That's because city planners, for reasons of their own, determined that paved-over waterways were somehow preferable to wet waterways. And so the clear, cool waters of many of the world's urban streams just … disappeared.

Now, they're reappearing — cleaner and more attractive than ever. According to an article in the New York Times, by building green corridors around the exposed waters, cities hope to attract affluent and educated workers and residents who appreciate the feel of a natural environment in an urban setting. Environmentalists point out other benefits. Open watercourses handle flooding rains better than buried sewers do, a big consideration as global warming leads to heavier downpours. The streams also tend to cool areas overheated by sun-baked asphalt and to nourish greenery that lures wildlife as well as pedestrians.

While some point to reclamation of streams as an expensive luxury, others beg to differ. In Seoul, it's actually possible to point to statistical improvements in the environment as a result of uncovering the ancient stream. For example, the number of fish species along the Cheonggyecheon has increased from four to 25, and bird species have gone from six to 36.

Meanwhile, as residents choose biking along the river over commuting by car, the level of air pollution has dropped measurably. Summer temperatures are five degrees cooler. And commuter traffic has sped up. Homes located on or near the stream have increased in value — dramatically.

Even merchants, who argued that the stream would take away from their business, have changed their tune. It seems that business is up — and customers are flowing through the doors.

Photo courtesy of StockXChange.