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City of Peru James R. Walker, Mayor |
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Want to know the details? Click here for the 2007 Annual Report.
Stormwater runoff occurs when precipitation from rain or snowmelt flows over the ground and is prevented from soaking into the ground by driveways, sidewalks, streets or other impervious areas. Stormwater can pick up debris, chemicals, dirt and other pollutants and flow into a storm sewer system or directly to a lake, stream, river or wetland. Anything that enters a storm sewer system is discharged untreated into the water we use for swimming, fishing and providing drinking water. Polluted stormwater runoff can have many adverse effects on people, fish, plants and animals. The polluted streams and rivers can be cloudy and make if impossible for plants to grow. It can destroy aquatic habits and remove oxygen from the water which causes fish to die. Bacteria can wash into swimming areas and create health hazards. Trash can choke, suffocate or disable fish, ducks, turtles and birds. People and animals can become sick from eating diseased fish. Polluted water often affects drinking water sources, too, which in turn can affect human health. |