Water fuels economic growth in Kentucky.

Learn More

Water

The Secret Ingredient for Economic Growth in Kentucky

Kentuckians have heard a lot about the new BlueOval SK Battery Park in Hardin County. With the plant beginning production in 2025, thousands of Kentuckians have new high-paying, reliable jobs. At full capacity, BlueOval SK Battery Park will employ approximately 5,000 people – making it the largest ever economic development project in the Commonwealth’s history.

Although jobs grab most of the headlines, there’s an ingredient for BlueOval SK’s success that shouldn’t be a secret: water.

For the past several years, water utilities in Hardin County have partnered with Louisville Water to ensure the county had enough water to support the plant – and the new homes and businesses that come with it. After years of planning and preparation, Hardin County Water District No. 2 and Louisville Water are installing miles of water main, building storage tanks and pumping stations to prepare for the intense growth.

Hardin County

Leading the Way

Shaun Youravich, General Manager of Hardin County Water District No. 2, said he believes the partnership between Hardin County and Louisville Water made it possible for Hardin County to land such an impactful project.

Without adequate water, I don’t think we would’ve been able to lure in new industry – specifically the new battery plants that are located here. … Without the water, they wouldn’t be able to operate.

Shaun Youravich General Manager, Hardin County Water District No. 2

As a result of the new water infrastructure, BlueOval SK is on schedule to begin production in 2025 – enabling employees to begin producing electric batteries for Ford and Lincoln vehicles.

Kentucky’s Water Advantage

The Commonwealth’s biggest industries rely heavily on water to operate.

Companies like BlueOval SK know they can build their businesses in Kentucky because of its natural advantage when it comes to water. The Commonwealth benefits from a robust natural water supply, anchored by the mighty Ohio River, which delivers 75 billion gallons of water daily past Louisville. This abundant resource gives businesses the confidence to operate smoothly and efficiently.

Water-intensive industries such as distilling, manufacturing, logistics, agriculture and healthcare depend on water. For these sectors, reliable access to water can be a deal breaker when deciding where to invest.

Manufacturing

  • 4,500 manufacturing-related facilities in Kentucky
  • 350,000 Kentuckians employed in manufacturing
  • Manufacturing contributes $37.5 billion to Kentucky’s GDP

Bourbon & Brewing

  • 95% of the world’s bourbon is made in Kentucky
  • 240 craft breweries and distilleries rely on Kentucky water
  • 22,450 jobs are supported by the distilling industry
  • Kentucky’s distilling sector produces an economic impact of $8.94 billion

Agriculture

  • 50% of Kentucky’s land is dedicated 
to agriculture
  • 76,000 farms depend on Kentucky’s water supply
  • 13 million acres of farmland are sustained by water resources

Healthcare

  • 175 healthcare-related businesses 
in Kentucky
  • 30,000 Kentuckians employed 
in healthcare
  • 315 gallons of water are used daily in an average hospital

Education

  • 1,233 schools across Kentucky
  • The average school uses over 22,000 gallons of water daily.

Water Infrastructure

A Statewide Priority

Kentucky’s water utilities have accepted the challenge of ensuring that infrastructure keeps pace with economic growth. Louisville Water and its partners plan nearly $123 million in infrastructure upgrades in the region.

Strategic infrastructure investments support our current business sector and ensure we can meet future opportunities. … As Gov. Beshear says, Kentucky’s economy is on fire, and water infrastructure is at the heart of that massive growth.

Kelley Dearing Smith Vice President of Communications and Marketing, Louisville Water

By the Numbers

Kentucky’s Water Supply
and
Louisville Water’s Investment

  • 75 billion gallons – Water flowing past Louisville daily via the Ohio River, ensuring abundant supply
  • 182 million – Investment in Jefferson, Shelby, Spencer, Nelson and Bullitt Counties by Louisville Water and local partners to upgrade Kentucky's water infrastructure

These projects include new pipelines and pumping stations that improve water delivery to businesses and communities. Importantly, these upgrades also position Kentucky cities to compete for major economic development opportunities.

Meade County

A Blueprint for Collaboration

For regions without significant water resources of their own, partnerships are critical. Meade County is an inspiring example of how collaboration can drive economic transformation. Working with Louisville Water and Hardin County District No. 1, the Meade County Water District will secure a sustainable water supply that benefits businesses and residents for generations to come.

Meade County will have enough 
water for the next 25, 30, 40 years.

Brett Pyles General Manager, Meade County Water District
The development of the $1.7 billion Nucor steel plate mill in Brandenburg, one of Kentucky’s most significant industrial projects in recent history, proves that forward-thinking infrastructure investments can lay the groundwork for decades of growth. Nucor has created hundreds of jobs in Meade County, with an average annual compensation of $72,000, far exceeding the local median income. The mill’s operations are expected to contribute millions to the regional economy annually – proving that Meade County’s investment in water was well worth it.

Bullitt County

Building for the Future

Bullitt County’s location along the I-65 corridor has long made it an attractive hub for businesses. Prominent employers like Jim Beam, Johnson & Johnson, UPS, and McKesson already call the area home, but local leaders aren’t stopping there.

Here in Bullitt County, it goes back to if you have the right infrastructure. If you have the right infrastructure, you can have the right commercial development.

Jerry Summers Bullitt County Judge Executive

The installation of two miles of new water mains in southeast Bullitt County near I-65 supports potential industrial and commercial projects.

A Call to Action for Kentucky’s Leaders

As Kentucky’s industries grow, so too must its water infrastructure. Legislators, mayors, judge executives and economic development professionals have a vital role to play in prioritizing and advocating for investments and collaboration.

Water isn’t just a resource; it’s an opportunity. By investing in water infrastructure today, we ensure that Kentucky remains a competitive, attractive destination for businesses and a thriving home for its residents.

Want to Learn More?

Louisville Water stands ready to partner with communities, businesses and leaders across the Commonwealth. Whether you’re a company considering expansion or a local government looking to enhance your infrastructure, Louisville Water is here to help.

Learn More