The Severn Creek
watershed is in central Owen 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. 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. Severn Creek empties into the Kentucky River between Locks
2 and 3, northeast of Lockport. Among the creeks that feed it are Slippery Rock
Creek, Greenup Creek, North Severn Creek, and Mint Spring Branch. Elmer Davis
Lake is located on North Severn Creek.
Land and water use. Land in the watershed is 4% residential, and the
rest is about evenly divided between agricultural uses and rural and wooded
area. The surface waters of the watershed supply the drinking water for the
municipal system in Owenton. Two organizations hold permits for discharges into
the creeks. See tables for details.
Agency data assessment. Elmer Davis Lake only partially supports its
designated uses, based on biological and/or water-quality data. Organic
enrichment from agriculture contributes to the impairment of the lake. One
segment of Severn Creek is classified as threatened. 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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