Aug 14, 7:04 AM EDT Kentucky experiences driest period in eight years LEXINGTON, Ky. (AP) -- For the first time in eight years, all of Kentucky is locked in a severe drought. The Palmer Drought Severity Index numbers were released yesterday at UK and they showed the state hasn't been so bone dry since 1999. A water shortage warning for Bowling Green and Warren County was issued by the state Friday. The Barren River flow is reported at its lowest level since the Barren River Reservoir was completed in 1963. Manchester in eastern Kentucky reports demand for water has outstripped treatment capacity. Bill Caldwell of the state Division of Water says a wet winter left plenty of water deep in layers of eastern Kentucky and much of Western Kentucky gets water from the Ohio River or from deep wells that haven't been affected by the drought. Otherwise, even more problems would be reported. Tom Priddy at the UK Ag Weather Center says lack of Hay needs this winter could become serious. © 2007 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. Learn more about our Privacy Policy.