Peoria staff propose permit system for large water users, citing demand risks and permit enforcement

Peoria staff on Nov. 19 presented a draft ordinance that would require city-issued permits for new or expanding commercial, industrial and institutional customers expected to use large amounts of water and would require selected water‑intensive industries to adopt best management practices.

The proposal, presented at a study session by Deputy City Manager Kevin Burke, Water Services Director David (Dave) Burks and Water Resources Manager Brett Fleck, would screen applicants by projected water use and require a permit when an applicant’s projected average daily use exceeds 50,000 gallons or the applicant’s maximum use on any single day would exceed 100,000 gallons. Fleck told councilmembers, “If an applicant … is proposing to use more than 50,000 gallons per day or their maximum use on any 1 day would exceed a hundred thousand gallons, then they need to apply for a permit.”

Why this matters: staff said a very small number of customers use a large share of…