The Kentucky River 205
420 watershed covers central Carroll County. The land is in the hills of the
bluegrass subregion of the Bluegrass physiographic region, characterized by
hilly terrain, very rapid surface runoff, and slow groundwater drainage.
Unconsolidated silts, sands, and gravels occur along the flood plain of the
river and on adjoining upland terraces. Beneath this, parts of the watershed lie
over interbedded shales and limestones (these are 20% limestone; water
conduction is poor because of the clay content of the shale). Other areas are
underlain by interbedded limestones and shales (>20% limestone, allowing
groundwater flow where the clay content is low enough).
Waterways. This watershed includes the Kentucky River from the mouth
of Eagle Creek at the Carroll County line to the mouth of the Kentucky itself,
where it flows into the Ohio River at Carrollton. Among the creeks that feed it
within the watershed are Goose Creek, Whites Run, and Majors Run. Water from the
Kentucky River 205 250, Eagle Creek (lower), and Mill Creek watersheds also
flows into this watershed.
Land and water use. Land in the watershed is almost 50% agricultural,
more than 35% rural and wooded, and more than 10% residential and commercial.
The surface waters of the watershed supply the drinking water for the municipal
system in Carrollton. Eight businesses and organizations hold permits for
discharges into the creeks. See tables for details.
Agency data assessment. The assessed waters in this watershed include
General Butler State Park Lake, which only partially supports its designated
uses, based on biological and/or water-quality data indicating organic
enrichment. 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 lowest 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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