Why a stormwater utility?
After a heavy rain or snow, the water must go somewhere. Our city relies on a stormwater system of pipes, creeks, ravines, culverts and more to manage wet weather. This storm system needs upkeep to work as it should, which requires funding. The stormwater utility is a new dedicated funding stream — money set aside just for stormwater. For the first time ever, Peoria has a way to maintain and strengthen our crucial system for the wellbeing of our city.
Our city faces major wet weather issues.
Erosion. Old, crumbling pipes. Failing culverts that lead to sinkholes. Pollution. Every part of Peoria suffers from stormwater problems. With the stormwater utility, we can tackle stormwater challenges together, choosing proactive approaches that add beauty, save money and protect our waterways.
Your Utility At Work
Because Peoria’s stormwater utility is a dedicated funding stream, the money generated can only be used to manage wet weather issues. Funding from the stormwater utility will help us tackle our current backlog of 400+ stormwater projects. With each project, we strengthen the system we rely on daily. Take a look at some of our upcoming projects.
Addition of New Street Sweepers
Introducing Peoria’s first permeable paver street sweeper! Thanks to new equipment, we can keep the debris from streets from polluting our storm system.
Oak Cliff Ct. Culvert Rehab
To prevent a future sinkhole, we will strengthen two corrugated pipes on Oak Cliffe Ct. and address erosion. Construction will begin in 2018.
Lyndale Retaining Wall
The Lyndale retaining wall project is in the design phase. Our goal is to build a new wall to preserve the stability of the road.
Do Your Part
Some wet weather problems (like replacing aging infrastructure) need to be tackled on a city-wide level. But you can do plenty of simple things on your own property to help reduce runoff — and possibly lower your stormwater utility bill, too.
News and Events
A Community Conversation Around Credits
Dozens of residents gathered at Illinois Central College’s Peoria Campus in mid-April for a great discussion about the City’s new stormwater utility.
“Growing” Stormwater Solutions (and Local Residents’ Skills)
Peoria has a special farm where bioswales, a stormwater forest and other green infrastructure absorbs excess stormwater and helps prevent sewer overflows.
New “Green” Graduates Get to Work
PeoriaCorps graduated its first class of members who are trained and ready to maintain green infrastructure throughout our city.