Surface water and groundwater are present throughout Kentucky's 40,598 square miles. Surface water occurs as rivers, streams, ponds, lakes and wetlands. Groundwater occurs in the pore spaces within rocks and alluvium in fractures and in conduits in areas underlain by soluble carbonate rocks, such as limestone and dolomite. This geological feature is referred to as "karst."

Groundwater is the sustaining supply for surface water. In karst areas, surface water often enters or returns to the groundwater system throught sinkholes and cave openings.

Surface water and groundwater supplies in Kentucky are susceptible to pollution from both natural and manmade sources. Naturally occurring substances such as iron, manganese, barium, fluroide, hydrogen, sulfide and salt may be present at undesirable levels. Bacteria from sewage, septic tanks and animal waste are a common problem. High nitrate-nitrogen levels contaminate water supplies in some areas.

The intention of the federal Clean Water Act is to make the nation's waters "fishable" and "swimmable." Kentucky has many activities and programs to protect its waters and to protect aquatic life and Kentucky's citizens. See the links listed in the left-side navigation bar for information about how Kentucky is working to attain those goals.

Review Kentucky's Water Quality Report to Congress (305b Report) to learn more about the state's progress during the first 30 years of the Clean Water Act.