Reference
Kentucky
Your source for information about water rights from coast to coast
|
Reference Kentucky Your source for information about water rights from coast to coast |
| Type of state | Riparian/Prior appropriation. |
| Water supply |
|
| Water use |
|
| Controlling law |
The Kentucky River Authority was first established by the Kentucky General Assembly in 1986 to take over operation of the Kentucky River Locks and Dams 5 through 14 from the United States Corps of Engineers. Following the drought of 1988, the Authority was given a mission to protect and improve the waters of the Kentucky River through environmental management of the entire watershed. It is the first effort by the Commonwealth of Kentucky to protect a great water resource through watershed management. Watershed management recognizes that a river is more than the water flowing in the main channel. Human activities through the drainage area of the river affect the amount and quality of water that flows through the main channel. The Authority is charged with developing comprehensive plans for the management of the Kentucky River Basin, including long range water supply, drought response and ground water protection plans. It is to adopt regulations to improve and coordinate water resource activities within the basin among state agencies. The Authority may adopt water quality standards for the basin that are more stringent than those applied to the rest of the state. It is also charged with developing recreational areas within the basin. The Authority is currently working with the United States Army Corps of Engineers to transfer Locks and Dams 5 through 14 to the Commonwealth. At that point, the Commonwealth will assume responsibility for their long term operation and maintenance. It is working with local governments and citizen groups to convert the appropriate adjacent lock master properties into recreational areas. The Authority is supported by water-user fees collected from facilities which withdraw water from the basin. The exception being those facilities using water for agricultural purposes. These fees are then passed on the citizens in the basin who purchase water. |
| Water rights |
|
| Interstate relations |
|
| Litigation |
|
| Analysis |