Healthy waterhseds are vital for a healthy environment and economy. Our waterhseds provide water for drinking, irrigation and industry.
Many people also enjoy lakes and streams for their beauty and for boating, fishing and swimming.
Wildlife also need healthy watersheds for food and shelter. According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, nonpoint source pollution is the number one cause of the nation's water pollution. Diffuse sources of water runoff from the landscape that carries pollutants such as sediment, pesticides and salts, heavy metals and nutrients, constitute nonpoint source pollution. This type of pollution results from a wide variety of activities over a wide area. The best way to reduce nonpoint source pollution is through a coordinated approach working in partnership with the watershed community.