Focus Watershed: Cowan Creek of the North Fork of the Kentucky River

Cowan Creek is located in the headwaters of the North Fork of the Kentucky River . Sampling by the Kentucky Water Resources Research Institute, PRIDE and the Kentucky Division of Water has consistently shown elevated levels of fecal coliform in the creek, as well as other pollutants. Through this grant project, the Cowan Community Action Group will educate people living along the creek about its pollution problems and mobilize support to find ways to improve instream water quality. Community education will include the use of an informational website, posters and other printed materials. Signage will be created and installed at each of the water quality sampling sites to increase their visibility. In addition, further sampling will be conducted within tributaries of Cowan Creek that have not previously been assessed. This project grant will cover the costs of lab analysis of the collected water samples.