Community Characterization
Preserving the unique waterways that support Kentucky's signature industries
A watershed plan is developed to incorporate both water quality data and local priorities into a long-term approach for improving the streams and waterways in the area of interest. Recommendations can be made to limit water quality pollutants from entering the waterways, but it is critical that those recommendations are realistic and sustainable if they are to make a difference. The goal is to develop solutions for pollutant sources that are tailored to local water quality conditions and community-preferred options.
For the Glenns Creek Watershed Plan, a three-pronged approach was used to ensure that it was guided by local input and recommendations. The first phase of this effort included personal interviews with key community representatives. The second phase utilized a general survey to enable broader community input. A third phase used small group discussions with rural and urban residents to better understand priorities for solutions.
Community Assessment
The people and the land were seen as key assets in describing the community. Government, agriculture, distilleries, community engagement, and growing tourism factored prominently in perceptions of community life. Strong government leadership, cooperation, and resultant effectiveness are key strengths of the community, which invite private partnerships and volunteer engagement. The people of the community are passionate about their community and have deep roots across multiple generations.
The region's unique soils and geology are unusually rich in nutrients, creating a unique and beautiful landscape. These resources support a strong agricultural economy that cannot be duplicated in other regions and are a source of pride for residents. The thoroughbred horse and bourbon distilling industries are signature industries driven by strong rootedness in tradition, geology, soils, and water resources.
The horse farms and distilleries are increasingly generating tourism, driving revitalization in downtown Versailles. In Versailles, there is a critical need for growth in affordable housing and additional shopping. However, urban growth must be balanced with preservation of the historic agricultural production via strong planning and zoning laws, which are vigorously defended. While public infrastructure was typically seen as good, needs were identified for expanded broadband services, drinking water service and maintenance for rural areas, road widening along McCracken Pike, stormwater management, sidewalk access, and wastewater treatment.
Community and Water
While water resources were deemed essential, they are underappreciated and at times invisible to the community, outside of the Kentucky River. Protection of human health and infrastructure, and utilization of the water resources for water supply and recreation were chief areas of concern.
On the Importance to the Economy
“It's key to our signature industries of bourbon and horses. I mean, looking at Big Spring going out into Glenns Creek. That's our signature sauce, right? That those horses drink, that limestone in the water. That is where it all began, and where it still is kind of the heartbeat of those signature industries, now.”
On Importance for Drinking Water
“all these little creeks are what make up the Kentucky River into a bigger river. So, I recognize that you really need to sort of start at the sources to protect the water, as opposed to just pointing at the river and say we need to clean it up.”
On Importance of Agricultural Usage of Water
“Most of the farms here used to pump water out of their wells and at other springs to water their cattle and horses, providing again a great source of phosphorus, which is needed in a mineral content for cattle and horses.”
On Usage by Distilleries
“[The industry] is very dependent on the water resource itself for our product and our manufacturing process of bourbon…. we find that if you can use the natural water… it creates a better product.”
Community and Water
In your opinion, how much of a problem are the following sources of pollution in your area?
When asked to rank water-related problems, the top five concerns included stormwater, litter, manure, construction erosion, and wastewater sources.
Likewise, in interviews, the greatest concerns included:
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Wastewater from sanitary sewer and septic sources
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Urban impacts from stormwater, flooding, litter, and other pollutants
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Agricultural impacts from overgrazing, manure runoff, and fertilizer use
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Other concerns include streambank erosion, distillery impacts, and the community's willingness to address problems
Millville and the distilleries near the mouth of the watershed were viewed as recipients of increased flooding risk, trash accumulation, and pollution from upstream sources. There was also a desire to improve onsite wastewater treatment in the Millville area. Agriculture was not viewed as a large contributor to pollution, but livestock exclusion, nutrient management, and erosion repair and protection were viewed as concerns. The proper disposal of distillery spent grains was another source of concern.
Solutions and Barriers
Farmers, distillers, and community groups are undertaking localized efforts to improve water resources, which have achieved marginal success. However, many stakeholders felt there was a degree of apathy or complacency regarding water resources within the community.
Overwhelmingly, stakeholders identified a lack of awareness and interest as the greatest barriers to improving water resources. Other barriers included financing, limited communication, and resistance to change. Perceived opportunities focused on increasing tourism and waterway accessibility, leveraging community partners, and focusing on volunteer engagement.
Woodford County leaders saw water resource opportunities to increase access to waterways and tourism. These opportunities could be achieved by working with community partners and building volunteer participation, but they would need to overcome a lack of awareness and interest, funding, communication difficulties, and resistance to change.
Eighty-six percent of those surveyed indicated a willingness to use local funds to support water quality improvements. Specific support was indicated for the following: sewer infrastructure improvements (30%), improvements to parks with creek access (28%), septic system maintenance and repairs (27%), planting along streambanks and increasing access for recreation (24%), and flood control measures (22%).
Groups asked to review conservation practices ranked tree planting, riparian buffers, and sanitary sewer improvements as most important in the urban areas. In rural areas, a large number of practices were rated as priorities, including: riparian buffers, pasture management, livestock exclusion from streams, soil and water conservation plans, septic system improvements, barnyard runoff control, cover crops, crop nutrient management, and wetlands. The Kentucky Triple Bottom Line Analysis Tool was developed to assist interested community members in exploring local solutions. Check out the tool below: