SD1

07/15/2026

Important pollinator conversation linked below in case you missed it 🐝

Environmental benefits of native plants

07/14/2026

How does sewage go from polluted wastewater to water that’s safe to return to the environment in less than 24 hours?

Here’s a simplified look at the process:

First, wastewater flows into a treatment plant, where large screens remove things that don’t belong in the sewer, like wipes, trash and other debris. (FYI, sometimes so-called "flushable" wipes make it through these screens and get stuck in equipment.)

Next, grit such as sand and small rocks settles to the bottom, while larger tanks separate out solids, oils and grease.

Then billions of naturally occurring microorganisms get to work, feeding on and breaking down the remaining organic material. (That bubbling brown water you see? It’s not chocolate milk, in case you were wondering.)

Finally, the water is filtered, disinfected and thoroughly tested before it’s safely returned to local rivers and streams. It’s a remarkable process that helps protect public health and the environment every single day.

07/09/2026

Why is steam coming out of a manhole on your street?

SD1 crews are using a method called cured-in-place pipe (CIPP) to renew a sewer pipe in your neighborhood. Here's how it works:

- A flexible liner is inserted into the existing sewer pipe
- Steam or heated water presses the liner against the pipe walls
- The resin in the liner hardens, forming a brand new pipe inside the old one

The result is a renewed pipe without tearing up the road.

If you see cones, equipment along the street, or steam rising from a manhole nearby, that's normal. Even a noticeable odor is part of the process.

SD1 has hundreds of these pipe renewal projects planned across Boone, Campbell, and Kenton counties.

Have you seen one in action?

07/07/2026

There's still time to sign up for SD1's Stream Detectives Summer Day Camp on Monday, July 20.

This free, hands-on day camp gives kids a chance to explore local waterways, test water quality and learn what it takes to keep Northern Kentucky's creeks and streams healthy.

It's a great fit for curious kids who love being outside and want to see science in action.

📅 Monday, July 20
📍 Northern Kentucky residents ages 9-15
🎟️ Free to attend

Reserve your spot: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/sd1-stream-detectives-summer-day-camp-tickets-1986083558387

Know a kid who would love this? Tag a parent or share this post!

07/02/2026

How do fireworks impact local waterways?

Fireworks packaging, plastic waste and other litter can wash from streets and storm drains into nearby waterways, harming wildlife.

A few easy ways to help:
• Keep loose trash secured so wind or rain cannot carry it away
• Clean up wrappers and debris from your property once it is safe
• Soak used fireworks before placing them in the trash
• Follow local guidance for unused or dud fireworks
• Never put fireworks in recycling

You wouldn't want Goldie the goldfish gobbling that stuff up at home, so let’s keep it away from our local gars, turtles and freshwater mussels too.

SD1 offices will be closed Friday, July 3. Our 24-hour emergency line remains available at 859-578-7450, Option 1.

Have a safe weekend!

06/30/2026

Calling local photographers 📸 Northern Kentucky has some stunning waterways. Drop your best photo of a local creek, river or stream in the comments below to help us close out National Rivers Month.

Help keep the Ohio and Licking River clean this summer:

• Use Hefty ReNew orange bags for hard-to-recycle plastics like plastic bags, bubble wrap, and foam.

• Join or organize an Ohio River Sweep cleanup to pull litter before it reaches the water.

• Sign up for SD1's free Stream Detectives Summer Day Camp on Monday, July 20. A hands-on way for kids to connect with local water quality.

Links: https://sd1.read.axioshq.com/p/stormwater-news/ea848767-66e8-4aba-a883-6f80a996b174?utm_source=axioshq_readership&utm_medium=web&utm_location=readership_navbar_edition

06/24/2026

Your pollinator garden can do double duty.

Many native plants that support Kentucky pollinators like bumblebees, butterflies and hummingbirds also make excellent rain garden plants. Their deep roots help absorb rainwater, reduce runoff and filter pollutants before they reach local creeks and streams.

That means a rain garden can create habitat for pollinators while helping protect water quality.

Interested in adding a rain garden or managing stormwater at home? SD1's DRIP program offers resources and ideas to help you get started.

Learn more: https://www.sd1.org/192/Disconnection-Redirection-Infiltration-P

What native plants have you had success growing in your yard? Share your favorites below.

06/23/2026

Ever wonder how we know treated wastewater is safe before it returns to the Ohio River?

This week, students participating in the Ohio River Conservation Course got a behind-the-scenes look at our Western Regional Water Reclamation Facility.

During their visit, they toured the lab where our team tests incoming wastewater (influent) and treated water leaving the plant (effluent) to ensure we meet strict environmental requirements.

Students saw our aeration tanks, where microorganisms help break down waste as part of the treatment process and finally, where treated water leaves the facility and returns to the Ohio River (the wooded srea with guardrails outside).

It was great to meet all the students and see their enthusiasm firsthand! Thanks for visiting and being a part of this educational program.

06/22/2026

Did you know the large EQ tank by I-275 in Ft. Wright is part of a larger system being built to handle heavy rain and keep overflows out of local waterways? The next big piece of that puzzle is about to begin.

This summer, we're breaking ground on the KY-17 Corridor Tunnel, a new wastewater line running from the Howard Litzler Road area to the Lakeview Pump Station along Madison Pike.

The project will help:

✔ Replace an aging sewer line near the creek with new pipe along the roadway to improve long-term reliability

✔ Reduce sewer overflows by approximately 4.8 million gallons per year in connection with nearby Lakeview improvements

✔ Support future growth in the region while eliminating the need for a planned 2.7-million-gallon storage tank

We'll keep sharing updates as work gets underway.

Learn more: https://sd1.org/673/KY-17-Corridor-Tunnel

06/17/2026

Severe Storms Expected This Week: Five Things You Need to Know if You Experience a Sewer Backup

1️⃣ Report it immediately.
Call SD1's 24-hour emergency line at 859-578-7450 (Option 1) so our crews can investigate the cause.

2️⃣ Document the damage.
Take photos and videos of affected areas and damaged belongings before cleanup begins.

3️⃣ Contact your insurance provider.
Notify your homeowner's insurance company as soon as possible.

4️⃣ Begin cleanup.
For health and safety reasons, begin cleanup as soon as possible. Keep children and pets away from affected areas and wear appropriate protective equipment.

5️⃣ Ask about available assistance.
Customers who experience wet-weather sewer backups may qualify for SD1's Backup Assistance Program, which can provide financial assistance for eligible backflow prevention solutions.

📞 To report a sewer backup, overland flooding or other sewer emergency, call 859-578-7450 (Option 1).

More information: sd1.org/bap