Data from the Department for Environmental Protection (DEP) Consolidated Groundwater Database are also available as thematic map layers which are broken into multiple categories.

The water well, monitoring well and spring categories are updated quarterly, while the ambient groundwater monitoring site (wells and springs) and each of the five basin management unit (BMU) sample site (wells and springs) categories are static.

The most important pieces of data necessary to accomplish this are accurate coordinates in the form of latitude and longitude, based on the NAD 83 datum. For further explanation of datum, geographic projection and geodes, visit the Kentucky Geodetic Advisor at http://ngs.state.ky.us/.

Location and limited analytical information from groundwater sources have been incorporated into the geospatial databases for groundwater point layers.

These groundwater point layers were created to serve many purposes and programs. Other state agencies employ the groundwater point layers when characterizing a site, such as underground storage tank sites, Superfund sites and the Environmental Response Team. Knowing the precise location of groundwater sources and/or sampling points is crucial for groundwater remediation and early warning in the event of a toxic release.

The Groundwater Section uses these point layers during the developmental stages of groundwater quality studies and reports. These data are also used to produce maps showing the spatial distribution of analytical data related to groundwater sampling.

There is currently no public access to these particular groundwater point layers, but the public should feel free to contact the Watershed Management Branch, Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and Data Analysis Section, and request a spatial search for groundwater sources in any area of the state. 

A similar, consolidated version of these point layers was created by the Kentucky Geological Survey (KGS) and can be downloaded from the Kentucky Geography Network at http://kygeonet.state.ky.us/metadataexplorer/. The point layers for the Statewide Ambient Groundwater Monitoring Program and each of the five BMU sample sites will soon be available through the Kentucky Geography Network.

For More Information Contact:
Rob Blair
200 Fair Oaks Lane
Frankfort, KY 40601
Phone: 502-564-3410
Fax: 502-564-9636
E-mail: robert.blair@ky.gov