KENTUCKY GROUND-WATER MONITORING NETWORK

This network will characterize the ground-water resources of the State. Approximately 900,000 Kentuckians currently use ground-water supplies. An ad hoc advisory committee, with representation from State and Federal agencies, industry, and professionals who deal with water-resources issues, is assisting KGS in developing plans for the network. In addition, all water-quality data in the Kentucky Ground-Water Data Repository are being summarized to evaluate their usability. Summaries are organized by physiographic region, and the most useful parts of this review will be published in a summary report.

The review and summary of this information clearly show that existing data are inadequate to define aquifers, zones of differing water quality, and flow systems that affect water quality and supply. The network will coordinate the efforts of the many agencies that collect ground-water quality data. Increased awareness and coordination can prevent duplication of effort and allow better sharing of public information.

Data collected through the network will be very useful for defining aquifers, flow systems, and zones of water quality. Information will be summarized in reports that will be used by the public, agencies, businesses, municipalities, and other users of ground water in Kentucky. In addition, computerized raw data will be available through the Ground-Water Data Repository. Funding for the monitoring network will be sought in the coming year.