The contents of this document do not necessarily reflect the views and policies of the Environmental Protection Agency, nor does mention of trade names or commercial products constitute endorsement or recommendation for use. A watershed is an area of land that drains to a common body of water, such as a stream, lake, river, or groundwater. Watersheds provide water for drinking, irrigation, and industry. Watersheds are nature's way of dividing up the landscape. As rainwater and melting snow run downhill, they carry sediment and other materials into our waterways.
Healthy watersheds are vital for a healthy environment for our children and aquatic life.
Watersheds come in all shapes and sizes, but they all have one thing in common. When rain washes over the land, the runoff picks up pollutants, such as oil, grease, fertilizer, pesticides, animal and pet wastes, dirt, and trash. Eventually, these pollutants end up in our bays, rivers, estuaries, and groundwater. This runoff can harm fish and shellfish, wildlife, and even threaten our sources of drinking water. The pollutants carried off the land are a significant problem.