Stream Monitoring

The foundation for SD1’s stream monitoring program is a holistic approach that includes in-stream water quality sampling, biological assessments, stream stability assessments and flow measurements conducted throughout Northern Kentucky.

This data is used to inform local policies and regulations that are cost-effective in protecting the region’s water quality. Additionally, the monitoring data collected by SD1, as well as other entities, is used to develop modeling tools, detailed Watershed Characterization Reports and Basin Trend Reports used to assess individual monitoring sites and watersheds for the region.

In-Stream Water Quality Sampling

Water quality data collected from streams can provide a comprehensive snapshot of a watershed which aids in the identification of potential sources of impairment. Typical parameters that are measured include:

• Bacteria (E. coli)
• Total suspended solids
• Nutrients (phosphorus and nitrogen)
• Physical parameters (temperature, dissolved oxygen, pH, conductivity)

Biological Assessments

The biological communities within a stream can be representative of watershed health. By assessing the presence or absence and abundance of particular groups of organisms, it is possible to determine the presence and extent of certain stressors or pollutants.

There are many methods used to assess the biological condition of streams. SD1 focuses on the quality of available habitat and the macroinvertebrate (i.e. aquatic insects) and fish communities.

Stream Stability Assessments

Stream stability surveys focus on measuring the physical stream channel responses that are primarily attributable to land-use conversion from undeveloped to developed. The altered flow regime (i.e. hydromodification) associated with conventional urban development leads to flashier streams, larger flow, excessive stream erosion and overall channel instability.

Accelerated bank erosion, channel widening/deepening and overall enlargement pose risks to adjacent public infrastructure (i.e. sewers, roads and bridges), as well as private property. These same actions can also cause water quality impairments (i.e. sedimentation/siltation) and have adverse effects on aquatic biota such as macroinvertebrate and fish populations.

Stream Flow Measurements

Through a cooperative agreement with the United States Geological Society (USGS), SD1 co-funds 13 continuous flow monitoring stations that measure stage at 15-minute increments and calculate discharge rates in watersheds throughout Northern Kentucky.