FRANKFORT — Eighty-eight of the state's 120 counties have run short of water or are on the verge of doing so, state environmental officials warned Friday.

        The Kentucky Division of Water cited low water supplies and too little rain. Seventy percent of Kentucky streams are flowing at 10 percent or less of normal, an agency statement said.

        The agency issued a water shortage warning for 33 counties, mainly in southern and eastern Kentucky. A warning means shortages already are occurring.

        Three counties in Northern Kentucky — Boone, Campbell and Kenton — weren't on the list, mostly because their water systems don't rely on rainfall exclusively.

        “We draw our water from the Ohio River and there is always ample water supply,” said Frank Peluso, Newport Water Works director.

        Ron Barrows, interim director of Northern Kentucky Water Service District, said his district, which includes Boone and Campbell counties, also isn't under pressure.

        “Our (water) intake is not far from Newport's. We don't have a problem with lack of water,” Mr. Barrows said.

        Pendleton and Grant counties were both on the watch list.

        “Pendleton County has two systems,” Mr. Barrows said. “We we service one with wholesale water. The other is the north side of Falmouth and out — they draw from the Licking River, which can be low.”

        Fifty-five counties, mostly in central and western Kentucky, were put under a watch. That means shortages could occur under present conditions.

        A commonly used measurement, the Palmer Drought Severity Index, gives eastern regions of the state a “no drought” rating. Western and central regions are classified as being in a mild drought. Ratings are derived from variables such as precipitation, soil moisture and levels of run-off.

        The Division of Water state ment said the ratings better reflect conditions for crops than for livestock or public water supplies.

        Monroe County, one of those under a warning, has asked the federal Farm Service Agency for emergency aid to get water for livestock, the statement said. County officials said springs, wells and ponds are drying up.

        Other counties under a warning: Adair, Allen, Barren, Bell, Breathitt, Clay, Clinton, Cumberland, Green, Harlan, Jackson, Knott, Knox, Laurel, Lee, Leslie, Letcher, Logan, Magoffin, McCreary, Metcalfe, Owsley, Perry, Powell, Pulaski, Rockcastle, Russell, Simpson, Warren, Wayne, Whitley and Wolfe.

        Counties under a watch: Anderson, Bath, Bourbon, Boyle, Bullitt, Butler, Caldwell, Carter, Casey, Christian, Clark, Edmonson, Elliott, Estill, Fayette, Fleming, Floyd, Franklin, Garrard, Grant, Grayson, Hardin, Harrison, Hart, Hopkins, Jessamine, Johnson, LaRue, Lawrence, Lincoln, Madison, Marion, Martin, McLean, Menifee, Mercer, Montgomery, Morgan, Muhlenberg, Nelson, Nicholas, Ohio, Owen, Pendleton, Pike, Rowan, Scott, Shelby, Spencer, Taylor, Todd, Trigg, Washington, Webster and Woodford.

Cranley is council's choice for vacancy
Schools ask court to prod state
2 stadiums eat dollars, expert says
Mall on hold after pullout by Nordstrom
RAMSEY: Transient kids
Schools' pie squared
MU moves radioactive material
Home for teens meets inspection
HOWARD: Neighborhoods
MCNUTT: Proudly served
Senate OKs baby-haven bill
Shops open in coach stop
Warren Co. deputy charged in fight
Potential conflict presents problems
Killer's sentence delayed again
Airport rated well last Christmas
Asphyxiation not ruled out in three deaths
Bargain or junk in eye of buyer
Boycott is threatened for Mardi Gras meeting
General Fund receipts fall in November
Hearing against mayor will go on
Henry aide racks up overtime
Kenton Dem chief to resign
Officer on desk duty after assault charge
Ohio colleges give bang for the buck
Patton backs Florida recount
Pupils taught in pioneer style
Reading a story to grandkids far away
Students make, serve hot meals
Teachers earn national honor
Their message: 'Surrender, Al'
Water running out in 88 Ky. counties
Kentucky News Briefs
Tristate A.M. Report