The water from your tap and in nearby lakes or streams is part of a much larger water system. While not everyone lives next to a pond or stream, we all live in a watershed. Watersheds are the land area that contributes water to a specific water body, such as a pond, lake, wetland, or catchment area.

A watershed is like a bathtub. The watershed outlet - the mouth of a pond, lake or river- is the tub's drain. The watershed boundary is the tub's rim. The watershed's drainage system consists of a network of rivers, streams, constructed channels, storm drains, wetlands and the underlying groundwater.

Common activities like driving your car or hiking along a river can affect water quality. By paying careful attention to how you manage activities around your home and in places you like to visit, you can protect your watershed and the water you drink.

To check out one of our watershed models or groundwater models from an extension office near you click here.