The Kentucky River 205
005 watershed lies along the boundary between Clark County and Madison County.
The land is in the Bluegrass physiographic region, characterized by hilly or
undulating terrain, medium to very rapid rates of surface runoff, and slow to
medium groundwater drainage. Parts of the watershed lie over easily weathered
clay shales that store water but allow little groundwater flow. There are also
areas of interbedded shales and limestones (these are 20% limestone; water
conduction is poor because of the clay content of the shale). The rest of the
watershed lies above interbedded clay shales and siltstones.
Waterways. This watershed includes the section of the Kentucky River
between the Red River and Lower Howard Creek (Lisletown). Among the creeks that
feed it are Twomile Creek, Indian Creek, and Bull Run. Water from the Otter
Creek, Fourmile Creek, Upper Howard Creek, Red River (lower), and Kentucky River
204 080 watersheds also flow into this watershed.
Land and water use. Land in the watershed is about 70% agricultural
and 30% rural and wooded. The surface waters of the watershed supply the
drinking water for the municipal system in Winchester. Four businesses and
organizations hold permits for discharges into the creeks. See tables for
details.
Agency data assessment. The assessed segment of the river in this
watershed does not support some or all of its designated uses, based on
biological and/or water-quality data. Pathogens contribute to the impairment of
the segment. 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. There is a volunteer site on Twomile Creek. See
tables for details.
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