What Is a Watershed?

Wherever you are, you're in a watershed! One definition of a watershed is an area of land where water from either rain, snow, or natural springs collects to form streams and rivers that empty into another body of water. Watersheds are formed by the topography of the land -- the mountains, hills, and valleys. Another, more well-rounded way to define a watershed is to think about the entire ecosystem of flora and fauna that support the processes that keep the watershed in balance...or not. Ask the questions about how fish, bear, oaks etc. impact the creek or river and other species? Think of it as a watershed neighborhood in which everyone plays a part - a waterhood.

The health of a watershed is extremely important, ands so is knowing some of the things we do that harm watersheds. Building hard surfaces like roads or parking lots means rainwater collects the pollutants and trash from the surfaces and dumps it into streams and rivers. Water rushing off hard surfaces moves fast, carrying away topsoil and eroding the land around it. Our watersheds are created by the lives of plants, animals, fish, and even bacteria that create clean water and beautiful land like Lodi Lake we can enjoy.

Learn more about the watershed you live in at How's My Waterway.