The Kentucky Division of Water (DOW) is seeking permission from owners and/or users of private drinking water wells statewide to obtain groundwater samples.

The project is part of a targeted study to determine if domestic water wells are being impacted by human-influenced pollution and/or events of nature. Owners of wells selected for inclusion in the study will receive free testing of their well water.

Water collected from water wells will be tested for Escherichia coli (E. coli) and total coliform bacteria that are found in untreated human and animal wastes, as well as for the presence of iron-related bacteria, sulfate-reducing bacteria and slime-forming bacteria. Samples will also be tested for caffeine.

Volunteers from across Kentucky are set to fill trash bags and pick up old tires March 17-24 during the 14th Commonwealth Cleanup Week.

The annual weeklong event is implemented by the Energy and Environment Cabinet (EEC) and kicks off the Great American Cleanup, spanning from March through May. Its purpose is to provide Kentucky communities with an opportunity to “spring clean,” recycle and promote personal responsibility across the Commonwealth.

The Energy and Environment Cabinet is accepting grant proposals for projects that promote the use of recycled waste tires for athletic fields, playgrounds and other crumb rubber applications. 

To a limited degree, the cabinet will also consider funding research and development proposals for experimental practices or technologies that further the statutory purposes of the waste tire program – to protect human health, safety, and the environment – or that will help develop a market for Kentucky waste tires.