The Muddy Creek
watershed is in western Madison County. The land is in the outer subregion of
the Bluegrass physiographic region, characterized by undulating terrain,
moderate to rapid surface runoff, and moderate rates of groundwater drainage.
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. 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).
Waterways. Muddy Creek empties into the Kentucky River north of
Doylesville. Among the creeks that feed it are Viny Fork, Hickory Lick, Clear
Creek, and Dunbar Branch.
Land and water use. Land in the watershed is about 75% rural and
wooded, about 10% each commercial and wooded, and less than 5% residential. The
surface waters of the watershed supply the drinking water for the Blue Grass
Army Depot, through which it flows. Seven businesses and organizations hold
permits for discharges into the creeks. See tables for details.
Agency data assessment. One of two assessed segments of the creek
fails to support all 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 at Doylesville. See tables
for details.
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