Show All Answers

1. Where does the stormwater fee go?

The revenue created from the stormwater fee funds the Regional Stormwater Management Program, which includes these services:

• Detecting and eliminating illegal connections and failing private sewer systems that are discharging into local streams, potentially harming public health.
• Looking for pollution runoff and the dumping of hazardous materials into local stormwater systems, creeks and channels.
• Managing construction site runoff to prevent flooding and erosion problems which can disrupt property and roads. 
• Monitoring Northern Kentucky’s streams as a part of our efforts to understand the causes of flooding that damage private property and public infrastructure.
• Operating, maintaining and upgrading the public storm sewer system that protects properties and roads from flooding throughout the service area.

To learn more, visit our Understanding Your Bill page.

2. Do I need to pay a stormwater fee if there are no stormwater pipes near my property?

Any property with a roof, driveway or other impervious surface can contribute to storm water issues, including flooding, erosion and poor water quality. In order to effectively manage stormwater, SD1 charges a stormwater service fee to any such property within our service area boundary. Areas that don’t have storm sewer pipes still benefit from SD1’s stormwater services. For example, SD1 regulates what goes down public stormwater pipes to keep pollution out of the streams that customers rely on for drinking water and recreation. The stormwater fee supports this work.

3. What is stormwater runoff?

Stormwater runoff is rain water we receive during heavy downpours that needs to be managed throughout the region. Sidewalks, driveways, rooftops, parking lots and streets are all impervious surfaces that prohibit rain and snow melt from soaking into the ground, leading to stormwater runoff. SD1 works with community leaders to manage flooding, erosion and water pollution caused by stormwater runoff.

To learn more about what the stormwater charge goes toward visit our Stormwater Service page.

4. What projects are going on in my area?

To find out more about SD1 projects in your area, visit our Projects in Your Neighborhood page.

5. Are there stormwater pipes on my street?

To find the complete drawings and maps of stormwater line locations throughout Northern Kentucky, visit our GIS Maps page.

6. How does stormwater pollution impact local waterways and the environment?

• Polluted storm water drains to drinking water sources, which can threaten public health and increase drinking water treatment costs.
• Bacteria can wash into swimming and fishing areas, creating health hazards.
• Sediment can cloud the water and smother habitats needed by fish and other aquatic life.
• Household hazardous wastes, such as pesticides, paint and used motor oil, can kill wildlife.
• Nutrients from excess fertilizer can wash into streams, leading to algae blooms and other problems in local bodies of water that make it difficult for fish and other aquatic life to survive.

Learn more about SD1’s Stormwater Services.

7. How is SD1’s stormwater service area boundary determined?

SD1’s stormwater boundary focuses on the urbanized areas of Northern Kentucky, which are more densely populated and contain public infrastructure such as roadways, storm systems and wastewater systems. Learn more and find out if your property is in our stormwater boundary.