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Date Available
6-22-2026
Year of Publication
2026
Document Type
Graduate Capstone Project
Degree Name
Master of Public Administration
College
Graduate School
Department/School/Program
Public Administration
Faculty
William Hoyt
Committee Member
Michael Childress
Faculty
Danielle McLaughlin
Abstract
The discovery of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in the water supply of Harrison County, Kentucky has prompted an urgent reevaluation of local treatment infrastructure. This situation has exposed a complex political economy between the City of Cynthiana, which owns and operates the municipal water plant, and the Harrison County Water Association (HCWA), which represents the majority of the ratepayers supplied by the plant. Using a qualitative research design grounded in inductive thematic analysis, semi-structured interviews were conducted with leadership from both Cynthiana and HCWA, as well as operators at the treatment plant, to evaluate two proposed solutions: a $14 million granular activated carbon (GAC) retrofit to the existing plant, versus the construction of a new $50-60 million plant under regional governance. The preferences of stakeholders were found to be strongly influenced by their structural roles. Cynthiana leadership and operators both favor the more immediate retrofit, citing speed and lower costs; HCWA favors regionalization as a solution, citing a wider base of ratepayers to absorb shocks and greater representation of non-Cynthiana Harrison County residents. Stakeholders also hold divergent preferences regarding litigation against potential polluters, but all prioritize water quality over cost mitigation and control of the utility. This analysis offers considerations for either course of action. Further suggestions offered are greater Harrison County representation regarding rate increases, a unified legal posture toward potential polluters, and talks with neighboring counties to expand the service population.
Recommended Citation
Patru, Jackson S. and Sampat, Rajan, "The Political Economy of PFAS Treatment and Water Regionalization in Harrison County, Kentucky" (2026). MPA/MPP/MPFM Capstone Projects. 475.
https://uknowledge.uky.edu/mpampp_etds/475
