Results of Clean River Committee Sampling Study

The City of Peoria’s Clean River Committee recently released sampling results from their River Study. The city is trying to develop a long-term plan to control sewer overflows and to protect the Illinois River. The study revealed that sewer overflows are only part of the problem. In their recent press release, City of Peoria Public Works Director David Barber said, “While the bacteria load from Peoria’s sewers will vary from one rainstorm to another, it’s clear from the sampling results that other sources account for most of the bacteria problem in the Illinois River.” He went on to say, “… reducing Peoria’s sewer overflows will reduce bacteria loads to the river. However, even if we eliminate sewer overflows, the Illinois River will not meet water quality standards for safe swimming.”

Key findings of the study:

1. Dissolved oxygen levels in the river appear adequate to support healthy fish and other aquatic life, even after sewer overflows.

2. High levels of bacteria that exceed the state’s stand for safe swimming are found in the Illinois River during both dry weather and storms that cause sewer overflows.

3. Smaller creeks that drain into the river and stormwater runoff also carry high bacteria levels that contribute to bacteria problems in the Illinois River.

4. During a June rainstorm, Peoria sewer overflows contributed approximately 5% of the fecal coliform bacteria load.

The Clean River Committee was formed in May 2007 to provide advice and recommend to the Peoria Department of Public Works as it develops a long-term plan to control combined sewer overflows and protect the Illinois River.