Groundwater Resources of Kenton County, Kentucky

Topography

Discussion from McGrain and Currens (1978)

Kenton County is located in the Outer Blue Grass region in northern Kentucky. The Ohio River marks the north boundary of the county, and the deeply entrenched valley of Licking River marks the east border. The normal pool level of the Ohio River at an elevation of 455 feet is the lowest point.

The area is well dissected by the numerous small streams which flow into the Licking and Ohio Rivers. Hilly terrain predominates and few flat areas are present. Covington, at the confluence of the Licking and Ohio Rivers, occupies the largest area of nearly flat ground in the county. Narrow strips of flat land are present elsewhere along both these streams and along Banklick Creek, a tributary of Licking River. Some of the ridges in central and northern Kenton County are noticeably flatter than those to the south, but none of the upland flat areas are extensive

The upland areas range in elevation from more than 800 feet in the northern part of the county near Covington to more than 900 feet in the southern part of the county. The highest elevation appears to be 960 feet, located on the divide between Banklick and Cruises Creeks near the Kenton-Boone County line. Maximum local relief is along Licking River where differences in elevation between the stream and hilltops may exceed 400 feet. Local reliefs decrease rapidly away from the main streams.

The elevation of downtown Covington is approximately 510 feet. Other elevations are Erlanger, at the city hall, 915 feet; Independence, the county seat, 903 feet; Ludlow, at the city hall, 530 feet; and Piner, 910 feet.

The 7.5-minute topographic quadrangle maps that cover the county are shown, by name and by index code (Kentucky Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Cabinet) on the index map.

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