Water/Waste Water
Management
The Kentucky General Assembly significantly restructured water resource management through the passage of Senate Bill 409 in 2000, amending KRS Chapter 224A. This legislation tasked the Kentucky Infrastructure Authority (KIA) with implementing a comprehensive water management program to extend public water services to all households in the state by 2020. Area Development Districts (ADDs) were directed to collaborate with KIA to establish statewide water management planning areas. A critical component of this initiative is the formation of multi-county planning councils within each ADD, charged with developing long-term water supply plans and prioritizing water and wastewater projects for legislative funding. To support these efforts, each ADD employs a full-time water service coordinator who facilitates council activities and serves as a key liaison among utilities, local officials, and funding agencies.
The establishment of Water Management Councils ensures comprehensive planning and efficient resource use to meet Kentucky's water needs. These councils, such as the Bluegrass Area Development District (BGADD) Water Management Council, meet regularly to strategize and oversee regional water and wastewater infrastructure projects. They also provide transparency and accessibility by sharing project priorities, meeting records, and utility information. ADD staff further support these initiatives by administering water and wastewater construction projects, and working closely with engineers, utility managers, and funding sources. These councils aim to secure sustainable water access and encourage forward-looking resource management throughout the Commonwealth by fostering collaboration among public officials, water suppliers, and citizens.
About the "409 Council"
Established by KRS 151 and KRS 2241, the 409 Council exists to coordinate water and wastewater system development statewide. Members include all county Judge Executives, the mayors of any city with a municipal water or wastewater system, and representatives of each local health department within the Bluegrass region. Leaders of KRS 74 water districts and KRS 273 water associations, as well as representatives of for-profit utilities, are also voting members.
Quarterly meetings give members the opportunity to coordinate plans and projects to avoid duplication of service, ensure consistency with local and regional land use plans, and promote cost-effectiveness.