Want to swim, boat or play in the Ohio River or a nearby creek this summer? Although ongoing efforts have improved local water quality, residents must still recognize the inherent risks of recreating in or on the Ohio River.
Know the Risks
Water currents, large debris and boats may endanger swimmers. Additionally, you may come in contact with contaminated waters, particularly within 72-hours of a rainstorm.
During heavy rainstorms, our community’s combined sewers receive higher than normal flows. When this occurs, a mix of stormwater and untreated wastewater can discharge directly into our waterways. These events are called combined sewer overflows (CSOs).
Thanks to initiatives like SD1’s Clean H2O40 program, CSOs are becoming less frequent and less impactful. These efforts are significantly improving the quality of our rivers, making them cleaner and safer for all.
What You Can Do
Before swimming, fishing or wading in a local waterway, consider the following steps to protect you and your family:
- Check local water quality reports before you swim. View the Ohio River Valley Water Sanitation Commission (ORSANCO) Weekly Ohio River Water Quality Report.
- Be aware of CSO locations. SD1 posts signage in areas where CSOs may occur. If you see these signs, avoid nearby water during and after rainfall for at least 72 hours. If you notice an overflow or unusual activity during dry weather, report the issue by calling 859-578-7450, Option 1.
- Sign up for sewer overflow notifications. SD1 will email you during recreational season (May through October) when CSOs are likely to occur (when rainfall of 0.25 inches or more is recorded in SD1’s service area, including Boone, Campbell and Kenton counties, or when the Ohio River exceeds 38 feet).
### SD1 ###