Waterways. This watershed includes the Kentucky River from just below Lock and Dam Number 8 to the mouth of Benson Creek in Frankfort. Among the creeks that feed it within the watershed are Canoe Creek, Little Hickman Creek, White Oak Creek, Cedar Brook, Brushy Run, Landing Run, Craig Creek, Gilbert Creek, Clay Lick Creek, Bear Branch, Cedar Brook, Bailey Run, Cedar Run, Sharps Run, Vaughn Branch, and Little Benson Creek. Water from the Kentucky River 205 060, Hickman Creek, Jessamine Creek, Clear Creek, Griers Creek, Glenns Creek, Dix River (lower), and Shaker Creek watersheds also flows into this watershed.

Land and water use. Land in the watershed is two-thirds agricultural, one-fourth rural and wooded, and the remainder urban. The surface waters of the watershed supply the drinking water for municipal systems in Frankfort, Harrodsburg, Lawrenceburg, Versailles, and Wilmore. Fourteen businesses and organizations hold permits for discharges into the creeks. See tables for details.

Agency data assessment. The assessed creek segments in this watershed include one (Cedar Run) classified 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 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 are three volunteer monitoring stations in the watershed. The station on Craigs Creek registered elevated levels of lead and selenium. See tables for details.