The City of Peoria announced on April 27 that recent rainfall has led to a combined sewer overflow into the Illinois River from several locations.
This alert is important because exposure to water in affected areas may pose health risks. Residents and visitors are advised to avoid full-body contact with the Illinois River downstream from Detweiller Marina until further notice.
According to the city, “Rainfall in the City of Peoria has caused a combined sewer overflow (CSO) into the Illinois River from one or more of the locations shown on the map located here.”
The city also said, “When this warning is posted, please avoid full-body contact with the Illinois River in the area downstream from Detweiller Marina. You may get sick if you swallow water while swimming, Jet Skiing, or water skiing in these areas after a combined sewer overflow.”
To address these overflows, Peoria is currently constructing projects designed to reduce CSOs during wet weather events as required by federal regulations. The city said these efforts are being made under both the Clean Water Act and a CSO Consent Decree.
Officials have not specified when conditions will return to normal but urge caution for anyone planning activities involving direct river contact.
