Water and aquatic systems are what make McConnell Springs a unique place. McConnell Springs is unusual because it includes two successive artesian springs. Springs are generally classified into two types, gravity springs and artesian springs, based upon their relation to the stream or other water body that receives their flow. When the spring discharges above the receiving stream and flows down into it, it is known as a gravity spring. When the spring discharges below the level of the receiving stream, it is an artesian spring. Gravity springs are by far the most numerous in the Bluegrass Region.
The artesian springs at McConnell are also of two different kinds. The Blue Hole before is an open body of water, approximately 15 feet deep, this depth is what gives the water its characteristic blue color. Water that discharges from a bedrock fissure at the bottom has sufficient force to have blown away overlying soil and sediment and maintain a conical or bowl shaped basin. This second spring of the McConnell Springs system is called the Boils because of the action of the water emerging from the underground conduit. During heavy rains, a column of water rises from this spring to a height of up to 24 inches.
The other significant source of water at McConnell Springs is the Storm Water Quality Wetland Pond. This pond is a manmade system designed to catch storm water runoff from surrounding roadways that drain to the low lying area of the park. By catching the water in the pond the system allows pollutants to get trapped in this area and so that they don’t flow freely into the springs. The system is designed to improved water quality, which it has done since its installation, but it also provides prime wildlife viewing opportunities.