Cedar Creek Watershed

LOJIC Disclaimer

The Cedar Creek Watershed is approximately 11 square miles. There are two sampling stations located on Cedar Creek. Cedar Creek has several stream segments on the State (303d) list for aquatic life and recreational impairment. The Kentucky Division of Water (DOW) classifies streams based upon their potential use, whether they may be used for recreational purposes, whether they support aquatic life, etc. The 303d list identifies streams within Kentucky that do not meet their designated use or partially fail to meet their designated use.

The Cedar Creek Wastewater Treatment Plant was recently constructed, and eliminates the need for the small wastewater treatment plants that exist within the watershed. Sanitary sewer projects have begun. These will further help eliminate these small package plants, as well as eliminate remaining septic systems.

Fecal coliforms exceed recreational standards frequently. The elevation of fecal coliforms is likely due to septic tanks, several package wastewater treatment plants, and animal waste from farms. Nutrient enrichment is also a problem in the watershed. Much of the nutrient load to the stream comes from chemically treated lawns and golf courses, small agriculture, septic tanks and package wastewater treatment plants. The stream is also being impacted by heavy silt loads from construction sites and agriculture. These impacts threaten the habitat quality within the stream and the diversity of life it now supports.

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