Water Is Essential to Economic Development

Supporting jobs, modern infrastructure and technological advancements, water is the lifeline of Kentucky’s top industries – agriculture, distilling and brewing, education, health care and manufacturing.

Creating a high-quality water supply that is abundant and reliable helps build strong, vibrant communities. Nearly one million people in Louisville and surrounding counties rely on Louisville Water. Our water mains stretch more than 4,200 miles, support more than 257,000 homes and nearly 25,000 businesses.

Every job we create in the water sector helps add another 3.68 jobs in the national economy.

Water is more than a natural resource, it’s a driving force in our economy.

Learn how water grows Kentucky here.

 

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Agriculture

  • Just under 50% of Kentucky’s land is dedicated to agriculture
  • 69,000+ farms depend on Kentucky’s water supply
  • 12.4 million acres of farmland are sustained by water resources

 

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Bourbon and Brewing

  • 95% of the world’s bourbon supply is made in Kentucky.
  • 188 craft breweries and distilleries require water for their products.
  • Distilling creates 23,000+ jobs and produces $9 billion in economic output.
  • Nearly 20 distilleries and more than 20 breweries use Louisville Water.

 

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Education

  • There are 173 school districts throughout the state and 1,477 schools requiring water for its students.
  • 22,000 gallons of water are used daily by the average school.

 

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Healthcare

  • 250 healthcare related businesses in Kentucky
  • 38,000+ Kentuckians employed in healthcare
  • 315 gallons of water are used daily in an average hospital

 

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Manufacturing

  • 6,000+ manufacturing related facilities in Kentucky
  • 250,000+ Kentuckians employed in manufacturing
  • Manufacturing contributes $40.2 billion to Kentucky’s GDP

Contact Us

Interested in learning more about the Water Grows KY initiative? Contact Kelley Dearing Smith at ksmith@LouisvilleWater.com.