Source: Amanda Gumbert, UK water quality extension specialist 

The Agriculture Water Quality Act was passed by the Kentucky Legislature in 1994, mandating that landowners with 10 or more acres in agricultural production must develop a water quality plan. Ten or more acres of crops, livestock or trees that will be harvested qualify for a plan and implementation by law. 

This plan documents the best management practices you’re using to protect water resources. These best management practices could include planned grazing systems, rotational grazing for livestock, filter or buffer strips around crop fields, animal waste manure storage structures and nutrient management plans. It should also include plans to limit livestock access to streams. Additionally, the document should include information on the proper handling of herbicides and pesticides, as well as the maintenance of septic systems. 

To implement a water quality plan, first look at the activities in your operation. You can use a web-based planning tool (https://soilandwater.ca.uky.edu/awq) to answer questions about the operation. By answering these questions, you can identify the appropriate best management practices needed. Then, you document that these practices are being used and properly maintained. 

In many cases, proper practices are already in place, and creating an agriculture water quality plan provides a document stating that you are following proper procedures to protect the water quality on your farm. 

However, keep in mind that an agriculture water quality plan is not a voluntary document; it is a mandatory document required by the Kentucky Agriculture Water Quality Act. Periodically review and update your plans to reflect changes in farming and forestry practices or land ownership. Additionally, a water quality plan is required by the local Soil and Water Conservation District if you plan to apply for state cost-share programs. 

By implementing an agriculture water quality plan, you help protect both surface and groundwater from agricultural contaminants. Keeping the state's water resources clean protects human and animal health and reduces the cost of treating drinking water. 

For more information on the Kentucky Agriculture Water Quality Act, please contact the (YOUR COUNTY) Cooperative Extension Service. 

Related resources: 

Kentucky Agriculture Water Quality Act and Planning - https://soilandwater.ca.uky.edu/awq  

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The University of Kentucky Martin-Gatton College of Agriculture, Food and Environment news and communications team provides monthly Extension Exclusives in the categories of Horticulture, Agriculture and Natural Resources, 4-H and Family & Consumer Sciences. To see more exclusives, visit https://exclusives.ca.uky.edu.

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