To support the source water protection initiative of the WKU Technical Assistance Center for Water Quality (TACWQ), Hoffman Institute students have been developing GIS basemaps of the TACWQ sourcewater study areas. Focusing on water supplies in rural karst settings, seven sites have been selected for the study. These include Cadiz, Guthrie, Marion, Caneyville, Auburn, Diamond Caverns, and a research site at Mammoth Cave. In order to assess surface and groundwater threats, Anderson Level 3 landuse classification is being conducted. For the two largest sourcewater basins, the Mammoth Cave and Diamond Caverns sites, the landuse analysis has been completed. Landuse analysis for the other sites is in progress. Digital orthophotography, elevation models, hydrogeology, and cultural features are also being compiled for the project. The Hoffman Institute GIS team is analyzing spatial relationships of landuse, hydrogeology, and water quality to make recommendations for best management practices on these karst terrains.

GIS Project Manager: Rhonda Pfaff