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1. Where does the storm water fee go?

The revenue created from the storm water fee funds the Regional Storm Water 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 storm water 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 move, visit our Understanding Your Bill page.

2. Do I need to pay a storm water fee if there are no storm water 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 storm water, SD1 charges a storm water service fee to any such property within our service area boundary. Areas that don’t have storm sewer pipes still benefit from SD1’s storm water services. For example, SD1 regulates what goes down public storm water pipes to keep pollution out of the streams that customers rely on for drinking water and recreation. The storm water fee supports this work.

3. What storm water responsibilities belong to SD1, local cities and property owners?

SD1 is responsible for managing hundreds of miles of publicly owned storm sewers (closed-pipe systems) and thousands of associated storm water structures. Cities and counties are responsible for roadside ditches, culverts, curb and gutter systems and the maintenance of storm catch basin grates. Property owners are responsible for storm water features that convey storm water solely from private property.

Learn more about storm water management.

4. What is storm water runoff?

Storm water 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 storm water runoff. SD1 works with community leaders to manage flooding, erosion and water pollution caused by storm water runoff.

To learn more about what the storm water charge goes toward visit our Storm Water Service page.

5. 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.

6. Are there storm water pipes on my street?

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

7. How does storm water 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 Storm Water Services.

8. How is SD1’s storm water service area boundary determined?

SD1’s storm water 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 storm water boundary.