The Clarks Run watershed is located in southeastern Boyle County. The stream empties into the Dix River east of Danville, near Little Needmore. Among the creeks that feed it is Balls Branch.

Clarks Run is located in the inner subregion of the Bluegrass physiographic region of Kentucky. Groundwater is substantially more sensitive in this area than the basin average. Land in the Clarks Run watershed is more than 80% agricultural. It includes the southern half of Danville, and therefore is about 8% residential and about 8% commercial or industrial. Five businesses and organizations hold permits for discharges into the creek, including Danville's sewage treatment plant.

Past KRWW data have shown high levels of bacteria indicative of fecal contamination in Clarks Run (above 200/colonies/ml). The following KRWW sites are located in the watershed:

Major Water Quality Issues

Clarks Run is listed as an impaired stream by the Kentucky Division of Water due to pollution from nutrients, pesticides and organic enrichment/low dissolved oxygen. Suspected sources of these pollutants are stormwater runoff, municipal point sources, and ag runoff.

Local Watershed Activities

An informal local group is working to raise awareness about Clarks Run, its potential as a community asset, and current threats to its water quality. The group is also pursuing a variety of management measures aimed to improve the stream's water quality and riparian habitat. A 2003 Bluegrass PRIDE Community Grant was awarded to the City of Danville to conduct a riparian reforestation effort. Over 300 community volunteers participated in the event, planting approximately 3,000 native tree seedlings along an urban stretch of the creek. A 2004 grant from the Kentucky River Authority (KRA) will enable the placement of informational signs in this area that will educate the public and local students about important aspects of the creek and its riparian zone. A 2005 grant from the KRA will enable the purchase of a watershed demonstration tool for local students and teachers to better communicate water concepts and educate about Clarks Run.

The water quality of Clarks Run is regularly sampled at multiple sites by Kentucky River Watershed Watch volunteers, as well as Water Watch participants at Boyle County schools. A KRWW Citizen Action Plan outlines water quality issues in the stream and proposed activities to improve the creek.

Clarks Run is also one of the focus subwatersheds being sampled through a Clean Water Action Plan, led by the Kentucky Division of Water. Following an intensive sampling effort in 2005 and 2006, a TMDL (Total Maximum Daily Load) plan will be developed to enable Clarks Run water quality to meet its standards for sustaining aquatic life. The creek is currently listed by the Division of Water as failing to support aquatic life due to pollution from pesticides and organic enrichment causing low dissolved oxygen levels. Suspected sources of these pollutants include onsite wastewater systems and municipal point sources. The TMDL plan will further assess impacts and likely sources in need of better management.