Floyds Fork Watershed

The Floyds Fork is the largest watershed in Jefferson County, covering approximately 103.9 square miles and containing 673.2 stream miles. Floyds Fork also extends into Bullitt, Shelby and Spencer counties.

The table below shows the various land use percentages for the watershed

Water Quality Impacts

The Floyds Fork Watershed remains one of the least polluted watersheds in Jefferson County, and it contains the largest, most diverse mussel population of any stream in Jefferson County. Although biological diversity and habitat quality are generally good in this watershed, they are declining.

Fecal bacteria levels exceed recreational standards more than one-third of the time. These high levels are likely a result of septic systems, small wastewater treatment plants, and animal waste from farms. Elevated levels of phosphorus and nitrogen are also a problem. Much of that nutrient load comes from treated lawns and golf courses, farming, septic systems, and small wastewater treatment plants. In addition, heavy silt loads from construction sites and agriculture threaten the habitat within the stream and the diversity of life that it supports. Fast-paced development in the northern half of the watershed reflects a need for long-range planning for wastewater and storm water management.

The following table summarizes point sources in the Floyds Fork Watershed.

Monitoring

MSD has performed monitoring activities within the Floyds Fork Watershed.

Strategies

MSD is currently in the process of prioritizing Jefferson County watersheds for development of a water quality-based evaluation tool. A schedule has not been established for the development of a water quality tool for the Floyds Fork Watershed.

Project Implementation

MSD has undertaken two flow reduction projects within the Floyds Fork Watershed.

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