Restoring the Fox River: The Carpentersville Dam Removal Project

The Fox River has long been a defining feature of the communities it flows through, but aging infrastructure like the Carpentersville Dam has posed safety and environmental challenges for decades. Thanks to a collaborative effort between the Forest Preserve District of Kane County, the Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR), and RES, the dam has been removed and the river’s natural flow has been restored.

Timelapse Video

The History of the Carpentersville Dam

Located in the Fox River Shores Forest Preserve, just upstream of Main Street in Carpentersville, a suburb of Chicago, the Carpentersville Dam had undergone multiple reconstructions since its construction in the 1830s. Before its removal in 2024, the dam stood as a deteriorating concrete barrier with two abandoned millraces, which contributed to ongoing erosion issues and became an environmental and public safety concern. Studies conducted by state agencies and environmental groups have shown that low-head dams like Carpentersville negatively impact water quality, disrupt fish populations, and create hazards for recreational users.

The Removal Process

To start the process of removal, RES constructed a temporary causeway to provide access for equipment to remove the dam. Our team also installed a large riffle structure and made improvements to the existing boat launch.

The Benefits of the Removal

As part of a statewide dam removal initiative this project is expected to bring several key benefits to both the environment and the community:

• Increased Public Safety – Low-head dams create dangerous conditions for boaters, kayakers, and swimmers. Removing the dam eliminates this risk.
• Improved Fish Populations – With 10.2 miles of uninterrupted river flow from Algonquin to Elgin, fish species will have improved migration routes and better access to natural habitats.
• Enhanced Water Quality – Removing the dam will eliminate stagnant water upstream, reducing sediment buildup and improving oxygen levels, which benefits aquatic life.
• Reduced Costs for Water Treatment – With better water flow and filtration, local wastewater treatment facilities will require fewer expensive upgrades in the future.

A Look to the Future

The Carpentersville Dam removal marks the first concrete dam removal project on the Fox River in suburban Chicago—a significant milestone in the broader mission to improve Illinois waterways. Similar projects on other rivers have led to an increase in fish species, healthier mussel populations, and overall ecological stability.

This effort is part of a larger initiative by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, which has recommended removing nine dams along the Fox River to restore its natural ecosystem.

With the removal of this dam, the Fox River will take a major step toward becoming a healthier, free-flowing river once again, benefiting local wildlife and the communities that enjoy its natural beauty.