Check
out aquatic bugs! 
What
is a watershed?
A watershed consists of all the land and waterways that drain into the same
body of water. Major watersheds are made up of many sub-watershed areas.
Who protects your watershed? Since your watershed is important in so many ways, the different users must all work together to protect and preserve it. Governments must coordinate their efforts. Businesses and Industries must look for ways to prevent pollution by improving the ways they operate. Farmers must also adopt new ways of growing their crops to minimize the amount of harmful pollutants from entering streams and rivers. We can all play a part.
You
can help, too!
Use only water you need.
Recycle and reuse products whenever possible. Encourage others to do the same.
Don’t litter. Carefully dispose of your trash.
Learn more about your watershed.
Ask family and friends to participate in local river cleanups.
Wildlife: Many different species share our watersheds and depend on clean water. Frogs, beavers and fish represent only a few of the interesting wildlife species that can be found in a watershed. Scientist often study wildlife to determine the quality of our environment.
Plants: Trees, plants and other vegetation also share our watersheds. The water they draw through their roots helps them grow. Trees and plants also play an important role in preventing soil erosion. Vegetation prevents soil from washing into our streams and rivers.
Households: People depend on clean water every day. We use it for drinking, cooking our food, cleaning our clothes, watering our lawns and gardens, and even…bathing! You and each member of your family probably use around 100 gallons of water each day.
Recreation: Have you ever been swimming or tubing down a river? Do you enjoy ice skating in the winter or fishing on a lazy summer day? If so, you probably understand how water helps us have fun, too! You can enjoy all these activities in your watershed.
Industry & Agriculture: Factories and farms are also important users of the watershed. During the manufacturing process, industries often use large amounts of water. When the process is completed, the water is discharged to a stream or river where it can be used by others who share the watershed.Farmers need water to produce the food we eat. Did you know that a dairy cow must drink three gallons of water to produce one gallon of milk? A single ear of corn requires 26 gallons of water to grow!
Everyone depends on water…just like you!