The mission of the Watershed Management Branch is to manage and protect the water resources of the state of Kentucky for present and future generations through voluntary, educational, and regulatory programs.

Watershed Management Branch provides leadership for comprehensive planning and analysis of water quality and quantity, on a watershed basis.  The branch coordinates the Watershed Management Framework, through which watersheds are targeted for planning and implementation. It develops and implements nonpoint source pollution control programs. It inventories water sources and permits water withdrawals. It provides technical support for water management planning, including source water protection. The Watershed Management Branch administers the Water Watch program and provides support to the Watershed Watch program, through which citizens across the state monitor stream and lake conditions. 

Nonpoint Source and Basin Team Section
Provides leadership and technical support to the Watershed Management Framework, including the Statewide Watershed Management Framework Steering Committee, seven Basin Teams, and sub-watershed task forces throughout the commonwealth. Works to improve widespread public understanding of watershed. Supports citizen involvement in monitoring water bodies by coordinating the Water Watch Program and supporting the Watershed Watch organizations.

Water Quantity Management Section
Provides leadership and technical support for water resource management, especially with regard to water allocations and for integrating water quantity and water quality analyses. Implements the water supply planning, drought monitoring, water shortage response, and water withdrawal permitting programs, most of which are established in KRS 151. Provides significant support to Water Management Planning, in conjunction with the Kentucky Infrastructure Authority. These programs ensure long-term security for adequate water supplies to the citizens of the commonwealth, including protecting drinking water sources (Source Water Protection).

Groundwater Section
The mission of the Groundwater Branch is to establish and implement a comprehensive groundwater program that manages, enhances and protects the groundwater resources of the commonwealth for present and future generations through regulation, technical assistance and collection of resource information.

GIS and Data Analysis Section