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1. Who is responsible for sewer backups?

You may need a plumber to investigate and determine the cause of your sewer backup. The cause of the sewer backup will determine who is responsible for repair and cleanup costs.

Backups due to extreme weather or private sewer lateral issues: Private sewer laterals are the responsibility of the private property owner. If you believe your private lateral is blocked or damaged, contact a licensed plumber to investigate. If your lateral damage is under the public roadway, you may be eligible for assistance from SD1.

Backups due to a failure of the public sewer system that could have been prevented: We proactively inspect and clean all of our sewer pipes on a rotating basis to prevent problems like this; however. if the system failed and we could have prevented it, we will make the necessary repairs to the sewer and connect you with our Insurance Specialist for further consideration. 

2. Do I need to report sewer backups to SD1?

Yes, all sewer backups should be reported immediately to SD1, even repeated occurrences. Call our 24-hour emergency hotline; 859-578-7450 (Option 1) and we will send a crew out to investigate what caused the backup and will notify you about the results. 

Note: SD1 considers customers’ backup reports when prioritizing sewer improvement projects. If your property has experienced a sewer backup you may qualify for SD1’s Backup Assistance Program. Document the backup, begin cleanup, and call your homeowners insurance provider as soon as possible to report any damage. 

3. How do I cleanup a sewer backup?

Here are a few cleanup tips: 

• Keep children and pets out of the flooded area.
• Wear rubber boots, gloves and work clothes to minimize skin contact with the water, which may be contaminated with sewage. 
• Do not eat, drink, smoke or touch your face while in the flooded area. 
• Take care not to slip on wet surfaces.

4. How can I prevent sewer backups?

Every situation is unique, but it may be possible to reduce the risk of sewer backups through plumbing improvements. When considering the options listed below, consult with a licensed plumber to determine the best approach for your property.

• Maintain your private sewer lateral.
• Disconnect downspouts.
• Install a backflow prevention device.
• Install a sump pump or whole-house sewage ejector pump.  

Explore backflow prevention devices, sump pumps and more on our Backup Assistance Program page.

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1. Do I have to pay the Environmental Surcharge if I only have a storm water account?

No. Storm-water-only customers do not pay the environmental surcharge.

2. What is the base rate?

Under the base-rate system, every residential wastewater customer is charged a fixed operating fee of $23 per month, which helps to cover the cost of maintaining and operating SD1’s network of sewer pipes, pump stations and treatment plants 24 hours a day, 365 days a year; and a $7 environmental surcharge, which goes toward meeting the federal Clean Water Act requirements of mitigating sewer overflows by the year 2040. The base rate includes 2 hundred cubic feet (HCF) (1,496 gallons) of wastewater treatment.

3. What about wastewater treatment above 2 hundred cubic feet (HCF)?

For wastewater treatment beyond that included in the base rate, customers will be charged an additional variable surcharge of $5.24 per hundred cubic feet (HCF).

Water usage is determined by a "winter factor," which considers only average winter water usage. This ensures that SD1 does not charge customers for the treatment of water used for outdoor activities. Once your winter factor (e.g. 5 HCF) is established each May, you are billed for that amount of wastewater treatment all year.

4. If such a small percentage of SD1’s costs are fixed, why are you still charging a variable surcharge?

Over the next four years, the variable rate will continue to decrease to more closely reflect the actual variable cost of providing service. However, to establish total rate alignment immediately would require a base rate that is significantly higher than our current base rate, and we did not feel we could gain political or public support for such a program.

5. What is the environmental surcharge, and why do I have to pay it?

The environmental surcharge goes toward meeting the federal Clean Water Act requirements that SD1 eliminate 115 million gallons of sanitary sewer overflows and recapture 85% of the 1.5 billion gallons of combined sewer overflows that threaten public health and damage private and public property in Northern Kentucky each year. These requirements will be met by increasing capacity and using innovative storage solutions across the region to mitigate overflows. The projected cost for this work is hundreds of millions of dollars.

6. How is the environmental surcharge different from the storm water fee?

SD1 operates two separate utilities; a sanitary sewer utility and a storm water utility.

The environmental surcharge goes toward mitigating sanitary sewer overflows, which is a responsibility of the sanitary sewer utility.

The storm water fee funds the storm water utility, and goes toward repairing, maintaining and operating public storm water systems to better manage flooding and erosion, and monitoring water quality in local creeks and rivers to protect public health.

7. Previous rate increases were said to be the result of the Consent Decree, and now there is an environmental surcharge that covers the same thing. Why?

Over the past decade, it became clear that the cost of meeting the requirements of the initial Consent Decree would have a significantly negative impact on rates - far greater than the increases that were approved in years past. Some estimates were that the cost to meet the original Consent Decree requirements would necessitate rate increases of 300 to 400%.

As a result, SD1 negotiated with the Environmental Protection Agency and the Commonwealth of Kentucky an amended agreement that extends the end date to 2040, allowing us to meet the requirements of the Clean Water Act while stabilizing rates long-term. Still, no customer will see their rates go up by more than $5 per month in any of the next four years as a result of the new rate structure.

8. Why are low-volume customers seeing a rate increase while high-volume customers are seeing their bills decrease?

SD1 spent nearly two years researching our sanitary sewer service costs and rates, and concluded that the current structure’s focus exclusively on water usage is out of alignment given the high fixed costs of providing sanitary sewer service. The new system spreads fixed costs, which do not change based on how much water our customers use, equally among all customers.

Before a customer uses a single drop of water, SD1 has to maintain and operate every pipe, pump station and treatment plant 24 hours a day, 365 days a year to make it possible for you to flush your toilet, wash your dishes, or take a shower. Low-volume users will see their bills go up because under the previous system they were paying well below the actual cost of providing service, which has been estimated at $40 per customer per month. Low-volume customers will still pay less than high-volume users, but that gap will be shrinking over the next few years.

9. Why are you punishing water conservation by raising the rates of low-volume customers?

As stewards of our environment, SD1 applauds water conservation. High-volume customers will still pay more than low-volume users, but the gap will be shrinking over the next few years to more closely align rates with the actual cost of providing service.

10. When did this change take effect?

The base rate structure went into effect on July 1, 2019.

11. What about low-income and fixed-income customers who might be negatively impacted by this change?

Many low-income families will actually benefit from the change. The number one factor impacting water usage is the number of people living in the home, so those local families that are currently billed for the treatment of a large volume of wastewater will see their bills decrease. For qualifying low-income and fixed-income customers who do see an increase, SD1 is partnering with the Brighton Center on a Customer Assistance Program to help them adjust to the new structure. Learn more about the Customer Assistance Program.

12. Your website says this is a four-year realignment process. What does that mean?

For four years following the new base-rate structure, we will continue to adjust the base rate upward and the variable rate downward so that rates are more closely aligned with the actual cost of providing service. The base rates each year are:

• Fiscal Year 2020: $21
• Fiscal Year 2021: $25
• Fiscal Year 2022: $30
• Fiscal Year 2023: $34

During each of those years, the variable rate will decrease.

13. Does this change affect non-residential customers?

The base rate structure applies only to SD1 residential sanitary sewer customers. Our commercial billing structure is entirely different than our residential structure, and already relies on a "declining block" with three variable classes. In other words, the theory behind the base rate is already reflected in our nonresidential structure. However - any time there is a rate increase on residential service, the same rate increase will apply to non-residential service.

14. Did SD1 solicit public feedback before implementing this rate realignment?

Yes. There were eight public meetings and forums where customers and other concerned residents had an opportunity to learn more about the plan and give feedback. Each of those meetings was also televised, and a public hearing at SD1 was live-streamed on Facebook and has been viewed over 1,000 times.

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1. When do SD1 Board of Directors meetings take place?

SD1’s Board of Directors typically meets on the third Tuesday of each month. Check our calendar for updates. 

2. Where do SD1 Board of Directors meetings take place?

The SD1 Board of Directors typically meets in the SD1 Board Room. Changes will be noted on our Board of Directors Calendar.

3. How do I contact a member of the SD1 Board of Directors?

You can contact members of the SD1 Board of Directors by completing our Contact a Board of Directors Member form.

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1. What is Clean H2O40?

SD1 has with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Commonwealth of Kentucky to balance the need to keep local waterways clean and safe with the need to provide affordable wastewater and storm water services in Northern Kentucky. Clean H2O40 is SD1’s commitment to increasing our capacity to better manage the flow of wastewater and storm water in Northern Kentucky. Through a number of strategic projects specifically designed to address sewer overflows, SD1 will meet the requirements of Northern Kentucky’s amended consent decree and improve the quality of life in our community. By the year 2040, we will completely eliminate typical-year sanitary sewer overflows and recapture at least 85 percent of all typical-year combined sewer overflows.

2. What is a consent decree?

An agreement or settlement that resolves a dispute between two parties without admission of guilt (in a criminal case) or liability (in a civil case). On this website, references to a consent decree generally refer to an agreement between SD1 and state and federal regulators regarding enforcement of the Clean Water Act.

3. Why do sewer overflows occur and why are they a concern?

Each year, during heavy rainfalls about 1.5 billion gallons of raw sewage escapes the local sewer systems, which can lead to dirty rivers and streams, backed-up basements and flooded communities. Sewer overflows can occur for several reasons:

• Older, more urban parts of Northern Kentucky, such as Covington and Newport, have a combined sewer system that carries both wastewater and storm water in the same pipe.
• During heavy rainfall, the system fills up with too much water and overflows into local waterways. While this reduces the likelihood of sewage backing up into buildings or flooding local streets, it’s harmful to the environment.
• When the sewer system was first built, overflows were uncommon because there was lots of natural land to soak up the rain. But as Northern Kentucky developed, much of that land was paved over and now more storm water enters the sewer system and causes overflows.
• Overflows can also occur in newer areas of Northern Kentucky, where wastewater and storm water are carried in different pipes. This happens less frequently, and is often caused by blockages or broken pipes.

These overflows are a concern because they can threaten public health, safety and the environment.

4. What is a sanitary sewer overflow?

The intentional or intentional diversion of flow from a sanitary sewer collection system that occurs before the head works of a sewage treatment plant. SSOs include discharges to waters of the United States as well as diversions to public or private property and the environment that do not reach waters of the United States, such as basement flooding.

5. What is a combined sewer overflow?

A discharge from a combined sewer system at a point prior to the publicly owned treatment works treatment plant.

6. Is SD1 required to eliminate sewer overflows?

Under an amended consent decree, SD1 is required to eliminate all typical-year sanitary sewer overflows and recapture at least 85% of all typical-year combined sewer overflows by the year 2040.

7. Do other cities experience sewer overflows?

This challenge is not unique to Northern Kentucky. There are hundreds of communities across the United States with aging combined sewer systems, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, and many – including Cincinnati, Louisville, Columbus, Indianapolis, Pittsburgh and St. Louis – are under federal orders to resolve their sewer overflow challenges.

8. How much will my rates go up because of the Clean H2O40 program?

In 2019, SD1 established an environmental surcharge, which funds projects that are aimed at eliminating sewer overflows. To learn more about the surcharge and billing methodology, visit our Understanding Your Bill page.

9. How can I help improve water quality?

There are lots of ways you can help! Visit our Clean H2O40: How You Can Help page to learn more.

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1. How do I sign up for paperless billing?

Going paperless is quick and easy. Be sure to have your SD1 account number and follow these simple steps:

1. Visit our bill payment page.
2. Log in to Paymentus or create an account under “Register Now.”
3. Once logged in, enter your SD1 account number and choose an e-bill notification method.

Note: You will need your SD1 account number to sign up for e-bills. 

2. How do I change my mailing address?

Wastewater Service

To change the mailing address of a wastewater (sanitary sewer) service account,  please contact your water district. SD1 bills from water district records, therefore these changes must be made through them.

• Boone County Water District: 859-586-6155
• Florence Water District: 859-371-5714 
• Northern Kentucky Water District: 859-578-9898

Storm Water Service

Storm water-only customers should contact SD1’s Customer Care Center at 859-578-7450 to update the mailing address.

3. How do I reset my Paymentus password?

If you are locked out of your Paymentus account and need to reset your password follow these steps:

1. Visit our bill payment page.
2. Choose, Forgot Your Password? and enter the email address associated with the account.
3. You will receive an email prompting you to answer the security questions you entered when you created your account. 

Note: If you cannot remember the answers to your security questions, call Paymentus at 1-800-420-1663 to reset your password.

Contact us if you have any questions.

4. Why is there a convenience fee for credit/debit payments?

Customers who pay their SD1 bill by credit or debit card will pay a $2.65 convenience fee per transaction. The same fee applies to one-time e-check payments made over the phone and online. This is a pass-through fee that is charged by and goes directly to Paymentus, SD1’s third-party vendor. Learn which options include a convenience fee in the payment options chart (PDF). 

5. What are my payment options?

SD1 customers have multiple ways to make a payment. Learn more at our Payment Options page.

6. What is my SD1 account number?

Your account number is on the upper-right corner of your SD1 bill. If you do not have a bill, call Customer Care at 859-578-7450 and an agent will assist you. 

7. How do I submit a complaint?

Please complete our online contact form or call Customer Care to tell us about your complaint. We will receive your information and get back to you as soon as possible. 

Note: If you are experiencing an emergency such as a basement backup, flooding, sinkhole or odor, please call 859-578-7450, Option 1 at any time.

8. How do I dispute a charge or request a reconsideration of a sanitary or stormwater service policy?

Sanitation District No. 1 is happy to review your request for a reconsideration of one of our existing sanitary or stormwater service policies, including:

• Nonresidential Equivalent Residential Unit (ERU) calculations
• Storm water boundary disputes
• Indoor water leaks and winter factor adjustments
• Property classifications

Please complete the Request for Final Determination form to begin the reconsideration process or contact us for more information. 

Note: This form replaces the Request for Reduced Sewer Service (RRSS) form.

9. How do I sign up for auto withdrawal?

To set up auto withdrawal, follow the following steps:

1. Click "Pay Bill" on the SD1 homepage.
2. Login or register with Paymentus.
3. Click "My Wallet" and add a payment method.
4. Click "Accounts" and then click "Auto Pay" to turn on auto pay.
5. Select payment method, bill date and notification method.

If auto withdrawal is set up through a credit or debit card, a processing fee of $2.65 will be charged. To learn more about our payment options, visit our Payment Options page.

10. How do I pay my bill without a convenience fee?

Customers who pay their SD1 bill by credit or debit card will pay a $2.65 convenience fee per transaction. The same fee applies to one-time e-check payments made over the phone and online. This is a pass-through fee that is charged by and goes directly to Paymentus, SD1’s third-party vendor. Learn which options include a convenience fee in the payment options chart (PDF).

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1. Can homeschool groups tour SD1 parks and facilities?

Yes, we welcome all groups to visit SD1 for a guided tour or field trip. Learn more about our tours and educational services.

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1. How can I stay updated on job opportunities at SD1?

External SD1 job opportunities are generally posted on Indeed.com. From the Ineed page, you can subscribe to receive notifications whenever SD1 posts a new employment opportunity.

2. Can I submit a resume instead of applying through Indeed?

Resumes will not be accepted in lieu of applying through Indeed.com.

3. What should I do if I am experiencing technical difficulties while submitting or after submitting my application?

If you experience other technical difficulties, please email SD1 Human Resources at info@SD1.org.

4. How do I know when to apply?

SD1 posts job announcements on Indeed when a position becomes available. The posting will contain the salary range; details about the position and the application and selection process; and examples of duties and essential qualifications, including education, experience and applicable license and certification.

5. Does SD1 offer entry-level positions?

Yes – we have many positions ranging from entry to senior levels. We post all positions on Indeed.com.

6. Does SD1 hire interns, students or new graduates?

Yes – SD1 offers programs tailored to students and recent graduates. Opportunities will be posted on Indeed.com.

7. If I have previously submitted an application, will I be automatically considered for other positions?

No – you must submit a separate application for each position you want to apply for. Your application is evaluated based on how well your education, training and experience match the needs of the position for which you are applying.

8. Can I apply for more than one job at a time?

Yes – you can apply for multiple openings.

9. What is the rehire process for former SD1 employees?

The application process for former employees is the same as for other candidates.

10. How do I know if a position has been closed or if I am no longer being considered?

SD1 removes job listings once a decision has become final. Therefore, all job postings located at Indeed.com are active. A member of the Human Resources team will contact you if it is determined that your skills and experience match the position.

11. What types of benefits does SD1 offer?

SD1 offers a range of benefits that are subject to change whenever applicable collective bargaining agreements, laws, rules, policies or plan documents are revised (usually annually). Visit our Employee Benefits page for more details on our generous benefits package.

12. What is the culture like at SD1?

SD1 offers a friendly, cooperative work environment where all of our staff share a mutual dedication to providing the highest quality wastewater and storm water management to our region. Through our Lean SD1 initiative, we are building a culture of continuous improvement that seeks to make our work more effective and efficient by eliminating waste in every aspect of our work.

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1. Is SD1 still offering Save-A-Stream Storm Drain Marking volunteer opportunities?

Yes! Save-A-Stream Storm Drain Marking volunteer opportunities are available during the spring, summer and fall seasons.

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1. How do I schedule a field trip or view SD1's green roof?

To schedule a tour of an SD1 facility, check out our Guided Tours & Field Trips page.  

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1. What is a public record?

All books, papers, maps, photographs, cards, tapes, discs, diskettes, recordings, software or other documentation regardless of physical form or characteristics, which are prepared, owned, used, in the possession of or retained by a public agency. Under the Open Records Act (KRS 61.878(1), certain records may be withheld. Public records not subject to one of the exemptions are referred to as “open records.” For more information regarding exemptions, visit our open records page.

2. How do I request a public record?

To make an Open Records Request to SD1, you must submit a written request to the Official Custodian of Records, Tina Graham or her designee, Barbara Arnzen.  Please include the following information: 

1. The name of the requesting party
2. Detailed description of the records being requested
3. Date range of the records being requested
4. The mailing or e-mail address of the requesting party
5. Method of delivery (copies, pick up upon notification, USPS mail or electronically) Please note:  Records will be provided electronically unless specified otherwise.
6. Whether the request if for a commercial purpose
7. A statement that the person making the request: (1) Is a resident of the Commonwealth under KRS 61.870(10); and (2) The statement included the manner in which the requester is a resident of the Commonwealth under KRS 61.870(10)(a) to (f); and
8. The signature of the requesting party

Open records request may be delivered by any of the following:

• U.S. Mail or hand-delivered to main office located at 1045 Eaton Drive, Ft. Wright, KY 41017;
• Faxed to 859-331-2436 (SD1 Records); or
• Electronic mail to: records@sd1.org.

Individuals submitting an open records request may utilize the 2021 Standardized Open Records Request Form however, it is not required.

3. Will I be charged a fee?

1. For non-commercial use: For standardized and non-standardized format, SD1 may charge a reasonable fee based on the cost or reproduction, including cost of media (CD, DVD, etc.). For non-standardized format, SD1 may recover staff costs for non-standard copies made of open records requested for non-commercial purposes. Cost and charges shall apply in accordance with SD1’s Open Records Fee Schedule. 
2. For commercial use: For open records used for commercial purposes, SD1 may change the cost of reproduction and creation of the open public records requested including cost of media, plus staff costs required to produce copies of public records. Cost and charges shall apply in accordance with SD1’s Open Records Fee Schedule. 

For non-commercial and commercial requests: If fees assessed are less than $5, SD1 will waive the fees.

4. Do I need to complete an open records request to view a map showing sanitary and/or storm water assets? ?

No. Request for records and data from Geographic Information Systems (GIS) such as SD1 assets, including pipes, manholes and catch basins, should be directed to our GIS Maps page. To learn more about this tool, visit the GIS Maps page. There is no charge for this service.

5. Do I have to complete an open records request to view billing records regarding my sanitary and/or storm accounts?

No. Please contact Customer Care at 859-578-7450. An agent will be able to help you with billing/account matters.

6. The open records request form asks if the purpose of the request is commercial or non-commercial. What does this mean?

A commercial request is defined as “all or part of the records requested will be used directly, in any form, for sale, resale, solicitation, rent, lease of a service, or any use by which the user expects a profit either through commission, salary or fee.”

A non-commercial request is defined as “no part of the records requested will be used directly, in any form, for sale, resale, solicitation, rent, lease of a service, or any use by which the user expects a profit either through commission, salary or fee.” 

7. How do I pay the fee?

SD1 requires pre-payment of fees prior to the release of records. Payment in the form of cash, check or credit card (applicable fees apply to use of credit card) will be accepted at SD1’s main office located at 1045 Eaton Drive, Ft. Wright, KY 41017.

8. What is the time frame for a response to my open records request?

You will receive a written response within five (5) business days, excluding Saturdays, Sundays and legal holidays. The five-day period begins the day after receipt of the request.

9. What if I want to come in and inspect records?

 Complete and submit an Open Records Request form describing the records you would like to inspect. Include your contact information. The records custodian will contact you to schedule an appointment.  The inspection of public records shall occur during SD1’s regular business hours (8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday- Friday) at the main office located at 1045 Eaton Drive, Ft. Wright, KY 41017.

10. What if I fail to inspect requested open records?

If requestor fails to inspect the open record within thirty (30) days from the date of availability, SD1 will re-file the records in their normal storage location and the request will be considered closed. In the event a subsequent request is made for the same records, it may be considered an attempt to disrupt the essential normal functions of SD1, and SD1 may refuse to permit inspection or copies of those records.

11. What if my request is denied?

If SD1 denies an application for public records, the requester may file an appeal with the Attorney General’s Office for a review of SD1’s actions.

12. What is a "resident of the Commonwealth"?

Effective June 29, 2021, a person submitting a request to inspect public records must include with the request a statement that the person making the request is a resident of the Commonwealth. A public agency may deny a request to inspect records that does not include such a statement. See KRS 61.872(2). Per KRS 61.870(10), the definition of “resident” includes individuals and businesses living, operating and working within the Commonwealth, as well as news-gathering organizations.

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1. What is a private sewer lateral?

A private sewer lateral is an underground pipe that is part of your home’s plumbing. It conveys wastewater or storm water from your property to SD1’s public sewer system. As a private property owner, you own your lateral from the end of the building’s plumbing to the connection with SD1’s sewer. You are responsible for maintaining your lateral, just like other pipes in and around your property.

2. What is the purpose of SD1's private lateral repair program?

When private sewer laterals deteriorate, they can affect community services, public health and safety by causing sinkholes, destabilizing nearby structures and leading to sewer overflows and backups. When these laterals run beneath roadways, repairs can be cost prohibitive to the private property owners responsible for them. To assist property owners in addressing this issue in a timely and affordable way, SD1 funds a private sewer lateral repair program. The program will allow SD1 to perform work on defective private sewer laterals beneath public roadways that may be contributing to a visible pavement failure, building backup or sewer overflow.

3. What is the responsibility of private property owners?

Private property owners are responsible for maintaining their private sewer laterals, just as they are responsible for the pipes inside their home. As a result, SD1 is not responsible for investigating or demonstrating the cause of roadway failures, sewer backups or sewer overflows resulting from a damaged or faulty lateral. The private property owner must investigate and demonstrate that such a problem is due to a lateral defect beneath the public roadway before SD1 will perform the necessary lateral repair work. Private property owners remain responsible for repairing any lateral damage that does not fall under the public roadway and for any damage to private property caused by a defective lateral, regardless of where the defect is located.  

4. What are the signs of a defective private sewer lateral?

If your home is experiencing blockages or sewer backups, or if sewage is overflowing into the environment, your private lateral may be defective. Sinkholes also can be a sign of defective laterals.

5. What should I do if I suspect my sewer lateral is defective?

If you suspect a defect in your sewer lateral is contributing to a visible pavement failure, a building backup or a sewer overflow, you should call SD1 at 859-578-7450. If SD1 determines the issue is not related to the public sewer line, you will need to call a licensed plumber to investigate your private sewer lateral. If the plumber determines the defect is in the lateral below the public roadway, the following requirements must be met in order for SD1 to perform services through our lateral repair program:

• You must provide SD1 with conclusive evidence, including a plumber’s video recording, showing that the problem is below the public roadway and cannot be fixed through routine maintenance. Routine maintenance issues, including root or grease obstructions or removable blockage, remain the responsibility of the private property owner. Video evidence must clearly show the cause of the sewer lateral malfunction.
• Your plumber must locate the problem using a “locating device” and clearly mark the location on the surface of the roadway with spray paint or another appropriate material. Merely measuring the distance to the problem will not suffice.
• Before SD1 will perform any work, the private property owner must sign an agreement holding SD1 harmless from any litigation resulting from the lateral repair project. If you are able to demonstrate that the lateral defect is located beneath the public roadway and cannot be corrected through routine maintenance, you should call SD1 Customer Care at 859-578-7450 to request service through the lateral repair program. 

6. What is SD1's role in the private lateral repair program?

SD1’s role in this program is limited to the repair of the private sewer lateral under the public roadway. SD1 also will restore the affected public roadway and any curbs, sidewalks and drive aprons disturbed through SD1’s lateral repair work.

7. What is the role of the participating public roadway owners?

In order for residents to benefit from SD1’s private lateral repair program, the public roadway owner (the city, county or the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet) must have entered into an interlocal agreement with SD1.

8. How are private sewer lateral repairs prioritized?

Funding for this program is determined during SD1’s regular budgeting process. Once the budgeted funds run out, SD1 will perform no further repairs to private sewer laterals until additional funds are allocated in the next annual budget.  

Because funds are limited, SD1 also will prioritize projects based on the impact to public health and safety rather than on a first-come, first-serve basis. Factors SD1 may consider when prioritizing repairs include the presence and severity of building backups, sewer overflows and sinkholes. SD1 may also consider the traffic count of affected roadways. 

9. How can I maintain my private sewer lateral?

To learn more about how you can maintain your private sewer lateral, visit our Your Private Sewer Lateral page.

10. What should I do if I experience a backup, overflow or pavement failure?

Call SD1 at 859-578-7450 and report your issue to our customer contact agents. SD1 will dispatch a crew to visit your property and investigate your concern.

11. If I need a plumber, what are some factors to consider when choosing a service provider?

• Evidence of being licensed and insured: Be sure that the plumber you hire is licensed and carries full insurance that protects you and your neighbor’s property in the event of a catastrophe.
• Experience: Ask for and check references. Though there are many long-standing and reputable plumbers in the area, longevity does not always guarantee quality service.
• Price of service: Ask for a flat, fixed quote so you know exactly what you will pay. Get more than one bid or quote for the job, but make sure you are comparing apples to apples for the same service level. The lowest price does not ensure the workmanship will last the longest. Ask the companies clarifying questions about the factors that may have contributed to considerable price differences.
• Guarantee: Ask about the company’s guarantee. Is it money back? Is it limited in any way? Is it written on your bid or quote? Reputable plumbers with a history of good performance standards should be willing to provide some level of guarantee.

12. Should I purchase sewage backup insurance?

Did you know that if sewage backs up into your home, insurance does not generally cover damage and cleanup costs? In most instances, if a backup occurs, the homeowner is responsible for repair, cleanup and replacement costs, including the arrangement of repairs and cleanup. Most insurance companies offer optional backup coverage on homeowner policies to protect your home in the case of a potential backup. Please contact your insurance agent for coverage premiums and deductibles.

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1. How do I contact SD1 employees?

SD1 does not list a public directory of all our employees. Feel free to view our public contact info or call our main office at 859-578-7450 to speak with a specific employee. 

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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.

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1. Is SD1 still offering Save-A-Stream Storm Drain Marking volunteer opportunities?

Yes! Save-A-Stream Storm Drain Marking volunteer opportunities are available during the spring, summer and fall seasons.

2. How do I schedule an Enviroscape presentation (Lesson 2) with a representative from SD1?

Email Andrea Dee, SD1 Environmental Educator at adee@sd1.org to schedule a presentation today!

Show All Answers

1. What is sanitation or sanitary sewer service?

Sanitation is the treatment, cleaning, and proper disposal of your wastewater. Our treatment plants treat about 35 million gallons of wastewater each day. Each individual, on average, creates 80 to 100 gallons of wastewater daily. SD1 has more than 1,600 miles of wastewater pipe, 125 pump stations, and three major treatment plants in Northern Kentucky 

Activities that Impact your Wastewater Bill

1. Taking a shower or bath
2. Doing laundry
3. Using and flushing of the toilet  
4. Washing your hands 
5. Washing the dishes

Listed above are some common examples of activates that require water to be sanitized, cleaned and treated at our various treatment plants before it is allowed to renter our local waterways. Any water that goes down a drain in your home or business is considered wastewater. 

To learn more about how SD1 determines your winter usage factor, visit our Understanding Your Bill page.

2. Does SD1 offer low-income assistance programs?

Yes. SD1 has partnered with the Brighton Center to offer a customer assistance program. Learn more about the program at our Customer Assistance Program page.

3. What is the difference between SD1 and the water district?

SD1 provides Northern Kentucky with reliable storm water and wastewater services; whereas your local water district provides clean drinking water. 

Remember: Your water district cleans water flowing to your house (showers, faucets, etc.); SD1 cleans water flowing from your house, including used water from showers, washing machines, toilets, and more.

Contact your water district. 

4. Why is my sanitation bill higher than my water bill?

The main reason why your sanitation bill may be higher than your water bill is that the cost of cleaning and treating wastewater is significantly higher than the cost of purifying the water coming into your home. To learn more, visit our Wastewater Service page.

5. How do I start or stop service?

Visit our Start/Stop Service page to learn about how to start of stop SD1 service.

    

6. What does a 5D wastewater rate mean?

The 5D wastewater rate is the default winter factor rate that is applied to accounts when a new account is set up through the local water district. All new accounts are charged a default rate until SD1 receives a 90-day reading from the water district. After the 90-day reading is received, SD1 adjusts your winter usage factor based on the meter reading provided by your local water district.

For more information on your bill, visit our Understanding Your Bill page.

7. How do I schedule a tour of a treatment plant?

To schedule a tour of an SD1 treatment plant, check out our Guided Tours & Field Trips page.

8. What projects are going on in my area?

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

9. Does SD1 charge for filling a swimming pool?

No, our Winter Usage Factor billing ensures outdoor activities such as filling swimming pools and watering the lawn -– which do not send water to SD1’s sewer system – are not included in your bill.

However, if you fill your pool between November and April, the time we typically measure water usage to determine your winter factor, your bill may reflect the extra water usage. 

Please call our Customer Care department at 859-578-7450 to notify us of the pool so we can check your account and monitor it for any adjustments. 

10. When does SD1 measure water usage to determine the wastewater variable rate?

SD1 works with your local water district to measure your water usage during a 90-day period between November and April. Your variable rate is then set in July for the next 12 months based on your winter usage during this 90-day period. Visit our billing page to view specific meter reading dates according to your water district. 

11. How do I test if my toilet is leaking?

You should identify toilet leaks as soon as possible to save water and money. If you suspect your toilet is leaking, follow these simple steps:

1. Open the toilet tank.
2. Drop a dye tablet, a few drops of food coloring, or black coffee in the tank and wait 15 to 20 minutes. 
3. When you return, look in the toilet bowl. If you see colored water, then you have a leak.

Need more help? Search online for alternative toilet leak tests and plumbing solutions.

SD1 leak credit: You can apply for a leak credit if your wastewater bill indicates water usage that did not enter the sewer system and/or is not an accurate reflection of your typical winter usage factor (such as a toilet leak). Before you submit a Request for Final Determination form, be sure to have documentation of your toilet leak.

12. Why do some Florence residents pay Florence Water for sanitation services as well as SD1?

There is a portion of Florence that has never given SD1 ownership of sanitary (wastewater) sewer pipes. In this area, Florence Water operates and maintains the sewer pipes that lead to SD1’s wastewater treatment plants for cleaning. Thus, you pay two bills because both entities provide vital yet different aspects of sanitary sewer service. 

Contact the Florence Water District.

Learn more about SD1’s Wastewater Service.