Peoria Public Works Assessing Water Infrastructure

Press release from the City of Peoria:

April 7, 2020

Public Works consultants may be out and about in your neighborhood in the coming days and weeks to assess the City’s stormwater infrastructure. The effort is part of an annual Public Works initiative that began in 2012 and aims to create a robust digital map of the City’s stormwater assets.

The 2020 mapping areas are in and around the following:

• Interstate 74 South to West Farmington Road/West Parkside Drive from North Sterling Avenue East to North University Street

Previously, the only mapping the City had on file was on paper, however, the current industry standard involves Geographic Information Systems (GIS) technology which provides more opportunities for planning and analyzing data. GIS produces a more visual and accessible map for everyone who is involved in asset management. Having a centralized document also makes it easier to track needed repairs or work that has already been completed.

When a Crew Finds a City Owned Storm Water Structure they do the Following:

• Take a GPS location, both horizontal and vertical (elevation)
• Pull the structure covers off and identify the pipe material, size, direction and elevation, as well as identify any maintenance needs
• Take a photograph of the structure
• Draw a sketch of the structure including the pipe directions
• Submit information to the Quality Control team for review
• Submit to GIS staff to map the infrastructure

“GIS mapping is a much more robust system which provides more opportunities for analysis, planning and engineering,” said Andrea Klopfenstein, Stormwater Engineer. “Having technologically sound maps will improve our planning efforts as a Department, which translates to cost savings for our residents.”

Since the project began in 2012 – more than 70 percent of the City’s separate stormwater system has been tracked and mapped. The GIS map will also allow for greater efficiencies in operations and maintenance.

About the Storm Sewer System
The system crews are currently evaluating is the storm sewer system. These assets include the manmade components of the storm water system. The stormwater system carries rain water and snow melt away from homes and into the creeks, ravines and eventually the Illinois River. Storm sewer assets can include storm water pipes, inlets, manholes and outfalls which can all interconnect to various parts of the system throughout the City.

This press release was produced by the City of Peoria. The views expressed here are the author’s own.