What is a watershed?

A watershed is an area of land that drains into a common place – such as a river, a bay, or an ocean

When precipitation occurs, water runs to the lowest point -- usually a stream, river or lake.

Where does the water go? On its way to the lowest point, the water crosses over surfaces of forest land, suburban land and urbanized areas, or it may simply seep into the soil and travel through an aquifer (like an underground river).

The shape of the land determines where the water will flow.                                                                                        The shape of the land determines where the water will flow.

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Everything that happens to a watershed can affect what ends up in the water. In natural areas with trees and other vegetation, water is slowed down. It doesn’t pick up as much dirt and doesn’t “wear away” the land.

If there are no plants… …you get “ruts” in the land and dirty water flowing into the rivers, lakes, and oceans.

River Watersheds

Where the water finally ends up

is huge! The Mississippi River Watershed…