The Clear Creek
watershed covers northwest Jessamine County and southern Woodford County. The
land is in the inner subregion of the Bluegrass physiographic region,
characterized by undulating terrain and moderate rates of both surface runoff
and groundwater drainage. The watershed lies above thick layers of easily
dissolved limestone that form carbonate aquifers. Groundwater flows through
channels in the limestone, so caves and springs are common in regions with this
geology.
Waterways. Clear Creek empties into the Kentucky River just below
Lock and Dam Number 6. Among the creeks that feed it are Tanners Creek, Spring
Creek, and East Fork Clear Creek.
Land and water use. Land in the watershed is mainly agricultural;
almost 5% is rural and wooded, and 2% is residential. One business holds a
permit for discharges into the creeks. See tables for details.
Agency data assessment. The assessed creek segments in this watershed
include one designated as threatened, based on biological and/or water-quality
data. See tables for details.
Watershed rankings. The ranking formula provides a preliminary
ranking by synthesizing a broad spectrum of watershed characteristics, current
conditions, and threats. This watershed ranks in the group with a moderate need
for protection and/or restoration. This rating is for the watershed on average:
particular sites and particular waters within the watershed may vary widely. See
tables for details.
Volunteer data. Both volunteer monitoring sites on Clear Creek showed
phosphorus levels elevated enough to cause potential nutrient enrichment
problems (> 0.1 mg/L). One site also exhibited high levels of bacteria
indicative of fecal contamination (above 200 colonies/ml). Thallium was also
elevated at this site. See tables for details.
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