Potential
Water Partners

Partnerships are critical to moving water quality progress forward.  The following is a listing of potential partners that may be helpful in learning more about water quality issues and finding solutions.

Statewide:

Kentucky Water Research Institute (KWRI)
Based at the University of Kentucky,  KWRI's mission is to develop and communicate water-related strategies and tools for Kentucky. The Institute focuses on four main areas - Watershed Management, Water Quality Research, Water and Wastewater Utility Workforce Development, and Community Engagement and Research Translation. KWRI staff have been directly involved with supporting Kentucky Watershed Watch since 1998.

Kentucky Waterways Alliance (KWA)
KWA is a member-supported nonprofit organization working to protect, restore, and celebrate Kentucky's waterways since 1993. KWA has led watershed planning and management projects and is working to develop a Kentucky Watershed Network that will provide mutual support and increase the collective impact of grassroots efforts.

Kentucky Division of Water (KDOW)
The mission of the Division of Water is to manage, protect, and enhance the quality and quantity of the Commonwealth's water resources for present and future generations through voluntary, regulatory, and educational programs.  They oversee regulatory compliance with Clean Water Act programs, monitor waterbodies, develop a biannual Integrated Report to Congress on the Condition of Water Resources in Kentucky, and provide educational assistance.

Kentucky Resources Council (KRC)
Since 1984, KRC has been a trusted resource for comprehensive analysis of energy and environmental issues for citizens, government officials, and non-profit organizations. 

Kentucky Master Naturalist Volunteer Program
The mission of the KYMN program is to develop a cohort of well-informed volunteers to advance education, research, and outreach efforts dedicated to the conservation and management of natural resources and natural areas within their communities for the Commonwealth of Kentucky. 

Agricultural:

Kentucky Association of Conservation Districts
Each of Kentucky's 121 Conservation District are led by a 7 member Board of Supervisors made up of local elected officials. These volunteers study county natural resource issues and make decisions which enhance and protect the local community. Contact your local Conservation District for information on programs in your area and ways to become involved in local conservation efforts.

Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS)
Kentucky's Natural Resources Conservation Service provides America's farmers and ranchers with financial and technical assistance to voluntarily put conservation on the ground, not only helping the environment but agricultural operations too. 

Water and Wastewater Infrastructure:

Kentucky Rural Water Association

Area Development Districts

Kentucky Infrastructure Authority

County Health Departments

Sanitation District No. 1 of Northern Kentucky

Metropolitan Sewer District, Louisville

Habitat Improvement and Protection:

Kentucky Wetland and Stream Mitigation Program

Kentucky Division of Abandoned Mine Lands

Kentucky Division of Forestry

Office of Kentucky Nature Preserves

US Fish and Wildlife Service, Kentucky Ecological Services Field Office

Kentucky Natural Land Trust

Woods and Waters Land Trust

Regional:

Bluegrass Greensource
Bluegrass Greensource provides environmental education, resources and outreach that inspires, equips and empowers Central Kentuckians with knowledge and tools to help ensure clean, healthy and enjoyable environments for future generations. 

Kentucky Riverkeeper
The Kentucky RIVERKEEPER is an independent non-profit devoted to the preservation of the River and the communities that depend upon it.  The group focuses on education, research/monitoring, litigation, advocacy and listening to the voices of citizens and leaders throughout the watershed. The Kentucky Riverkeeper is part of the Waterkeeper ALLIANCE, a group of more than 300 "keepers" around the world.