What is the worst water quality problem faced in Covington?

Water quality in the City of Covington is impacted by the urbanization of the watersheds that drain into the streams. The main pollutants being stream bank scour and trash and debris. Trash and debris are a visual pollutant in our streams. They also are a choking hazard to wildlife and create bacteria that are harmful to humans. An increased stormwater runoff volume in urbanized areas causes scour along stream banks. The increased impervious area results in more rainfall running off into nearby streams instead of being absorbed into the ground. The increased volume also causes the water to travel at a faster velocity and can wash away soil from the stream banks and release sediment into the stream. Just like silt from construction sites, this sediment settles in the stream and harms plants and other aquatic habitat that support fish.

The brief listing of some of the impacts to streams caused by urbanization include:

Increased flood peaks Increased stormwater runoff volume More frequent bank full flows Lower base flow during dry weather Decline in habitat value of streams Loss of buffer zones and  large woody debris Creation of fish barriers A shift in the energy source that drives streams Increased algae growth Disruption of natural water balance

Increased stream temperature or pH Increased sediment and other pollutants Bacteria and other human pathogens leading    to potential sickness Erosion and lateral migration Reduced fish passage Degradation of habitat structure Decreased channel stability Loss of natural or pool-riffle structure Fragmentation of riparian tree canopy Decreased substrate quality

What are some common storm drain pollutants?

The most common pollutants are paints; dirt, grass and leaves; antifreeze and oil; trash and debris; and fertilizers, herbicides and pesticides.

Where do items placed in storm drains and ditches end up?

The items placed in storm drains and ditches end up directly in streams or lakes, which is why it is so important not to place items in or near these receptacles.

What alternatives are there to pesticides?

You can use natural ingredients such as plant extracts. Some examples include spearmint, peppermint, garlic, basil, cedar wood ,and pine. These often repel insects and other pests. There are also certain insects that help keep harmful insects under control, including the lady beetle, earwig, assassin bug, and syrphid fly, among others.

Where can I dispose of used motor oil and other chemicals?

You should take them to recycling centers in your area. You should call ahead to verify the types of materials accepted. You may also want to contact the state environmental health department.

Is it better to wash my car at home or take it to a commercial car wash?

It is much better to take your vehicle to a commercial car wash, as they use less water and have mechanisms that prevent wash water from entering storm drains.