What is a Watershed?

A watershed is a physical boundary containing an area of land that drains to a common outlet point. A watershed can range in size from a few acres to a large river basin.

What is the Hydrologic Cycle?

The hydrologic cycle consists of the multiple pathways water can move through a system. These pathways integrate physical, chemical and biological processes. The figure below illustrates a simplified hydrologic cycle within a watershed.

Why Are Watersheds Important?

Watersheds Integrate, Educate, and Unify.

-- Watershed Management creates solutions that integrate environmental, social, and economic needs.

-- By learning about watersheds, people are educated about their local environment and the importance of water in natural and human systems.

-- Watersheds unify diverse groups of people by bringing together those who are interested in improving the management of their shared natural resources.

Within a watershed, water creates many linkages between the environment and people.

Upstream/Downstream – Upland soil erosion can cause sedimentation of rivers and lakes downstream

Vegetation/Soil – Native vegetation protects the soil surface and improves soil stability

Onsite/Offsite – Onsite pollutants (fertilizers, pesticides, oil, etc.) travel offsite through surface or ground water pathways

Surface/Ground Water – The water table level affects flow in perennial rivers

Urban/Rural Areas – Urban cities and rural towns must find ways to share limited resources

What is Rainwater Harvesting?

Rainwater harvesting is the collection and storage of rainfall to use for human, plant, or animal consumption. Rainwater harvesting includes the collection of rainfall from roofs, driveways, and your even your backyard. Rainwater can be stored in tanks, barrels, or within the landscape through the proper integration of depression areas in your landscape.

Why Harvest Rainwater?

Harvesting rainwater locally on-site reduces your consumption and cost of municipal water. Plants prefer rainwater over mineral-laden, often chlorinated groundwater. Best of all rainwater is delivered to your house free of charge!