The Hardwick Creek
watershed occupies south-central Powell County and part of Estill County. The
land is in the Knobs physiographic region, characterized by hilly terrain, very
rapid surface runoff, and very slow groundwater drainage. In level parts of the
Knobs, runoff and groundwater drainage are slow. The watershed lies partly above
fractured shales through which groundwater can easily move but which stores very
little water. Other sections of the watershed lie over easily weathered clay
shales that store water but allow little groundwater flow. Interbedded clay
shales and siltstones underlie the remaining area.
Waterways. Hardwick Creek empties into the Red River south of Clay
City. Among the creeks that feed Hardwick Creek are Daniel Branch, Branham
Branch, Ballard Branch, Little Hardwick Creek, and Frames Branch.
Land and water use. Land in the watershed is about 85% rural and
wooded and about 15% agricultural. No businesses or organizations hold permits
for discharges into the creeks. See tables for details.
Agency data assessment. The assessed creek segments in this watershed
include one segment of Hardwick Creek that does not support its designated uses,
based on biological and/or water-quality data. Pathogens contribute to the
impairment of the stream. 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 the highest 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. No volunteer data were collected in this watershed in
1999.
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