An Official Website of the Commonwealth of Kentucky
The responsibility for assessing the quality of water in the Commonwealth's streams, lakes and wetlands lies with the Division of Water (DOW). Monitoring is performed in river basins on a rotating basis and a determination regarding whether the waterbody is supporting its designated use(s) is made.
Groundwater Quality Reports and the statewide Ambient Groundwater Monitoring Program provides baseline groundwater data on aquifer characterization, ambient groundwater quality and nonpoint source pollution.
A harmful algal bloom, or HAB, occurs when toxin-producing cyanobacteria, also known as blue-green algae, grow excessively in a body of water. Learn more about HABs in Kentucky.
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are a widely used group of chemicals that have been found in the environment and may have harmful health effects. Researchers and state and federal agencies continue to investigate the potential health effects, levels of PFAS in the environment, and management options.
The Division of Water has multiple monitoring programs designed to examine various components of water quality related to rivers, streams, lakes, and reservoirs.
Caring for the Commonwealth's water resources is not only the mission of DOW, but also a worthy task for Kentucky's citizens in general. DOW has several programs designed to foster and facilitate public involvement.