The Water Quality Based Board meeting convened on July 24, 2025, in Lexington City, Fayette County, Kentucky, focusing on enhancing water quality initiatives and community engagement. The meeting commenced with the approval of the previous meeting's minutes, followed by introductions, including a notable appearance by Alyssa McKenzie, aide to Council Member Maggie Sibagomi, who discussed ongoing efforts to streamline the grant application process for water quality projects.

A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to the Bluegrass Watershed Summit, presented by John Pike, a water resources engineer and volunteer with the Creek Conservancy. Pike highlighted the summit's goal of fostering collaboration among various watershed groups in Fayette County, emphasizing the need for a unified approach to water quality improvement. He noted that the summit attracted approximately 75 participants and featured speakers under 40 years old, aiming to engage younger individuals in water conservation efforts.

Pike detailed the summit's activities, including presentations on stream restoration and erosion control, as well as a collaborative brainstorming session where participants developed potential grant projects. The summit concluded with a call to form a new coalition, Waterways Lex, which aims to serve as a hub for collaboration and technical support across all watersheds in Fayette County. The group has already begun the process of submitting a Water Quality Incentive Grant and plans to host another watershed summit in the spring of 2026.

The meeting underscored the importance of community involvement and the sharing of expertise in addressing water quality challenges, with a clear commitment to fostering collaboration among local organizations and residents. The board expressed appreciation for the enthusiasm and dedication shown by participants, signaling a proactive approach to improving water quality in the region.