Watersheds
Watersheds
What is a watershed?We commonly visualize a watershed as a body
of water surrounded by trees or located in a forest. A watershed is
a region from which every drop of surface runoff drains towards a
common stream , river , or another body of water. It is a drainage
basin that usually becomes a source of domestic water.
Thewaterthateventually forms a river collects in an area called
the watershed. You would probably need rubber boots to walk in a
watershed in springtime. The ground would be soggy with spring
rains or melted snow. Watersheds are usually high up on hills or
mountains. Rain and melting snow trickle through the watershed and
form tiny streams. As the streams flow downhill, they join
together. The place where a river begins is called its
headwaters.
Why are watersheds important?Watersheds are the source of all
the water we use. Water enters the watershed as rain or snowmelt in
the highlands. It soaks into the ground to replenish aquifers and
gathers in ponds and creeks that feed larger streams and rivers. A
healthy watershed acts like a sponge, absorbing, storing, and
slowly releasing water.
Watersheds are important because the surface water features and
storm water runoff within a watershed ultimately drain to other
bodies of water. It is essential to consider these downstream
impacts when developing and implementing water quality protection
and restoration actions. Everything upstream ends up downstream. We
need to remember that we all live downstream and that our everyday
activities can affect downstream waters.
Why are watersheds destroyed?DeforestationTrees help retain
water and topsoil. When trees are cut down, rainwater washes away
soil- leading to a build up of sediments in rivers. This sediment
alters freshwater habitats, disrupts navigation and damages coral
reefs near river mouths.AgricultureAgriculture affects rivers in
several ways, from the extraction of water for irrigation purposes
to runoff of fertilizers and pesticides. When rivers carry high
levels of fertilizer into the ocean, the excess nutrients cause
algae blooms that remove oxygen from the water and can cause
massive dead zones where fish and other sea life cannot live.
DamsDams pose a serious threat to our rivers by disrupting the
flows of water, which are vital to the health of a watershed. They
alter natural cycles of high and low water and block pathways for
migratory species.
Water ConsumptionCities, industry and agriculture all consume
vast quantities of water each year- leaving water levels so low
that some great rivers such as the Colorado and Indias Ganges
regularly no longer reach the sea.
Floodplain/ Wetland ConversionThe conversion of floodplains and
wetlands for agriculture and housing removes an essential part of a
river system that provides vital fish breeding habitats, stores
flood waters and acts as a natural filtration system.
Climate ChangeAnticipated changes in rainfall and snowmelt as a
result of climate change will have a dramatic impact on our lakes
and rivers, increasing the likelihood of both droughts and floods.
Changes in water temperature and flows will impact the reproductive
cycles of fish and plants that are carefully attuned to seasonal
patterns in the water.
Ways to protect our Watersheds:Plant trees and plants so that
there will be more roots that will absorb the water from the
rain.Consume the right amount of water. Do not waste the
water.Replace asphalt driveways with pavers. This allows for better
drainage.Use plants native to the area to reduce the need for
fertilizers and pesticides, which can seep into the ground and
water supply.Fix leaky faucets and septic tanks to cut down on
wasted water and pollution.Dont pour toxic household chemicals down
the drain; take them to a hazardous waste center.
Do not over apply fertilizers. Consider using organic or slow
release fertilizers instead. Recycle yard waste in a compost pile
& use a mulching mower. Use surfaces like wood, brick or gravel
for decks & walkways; allows rain to soak in & not run off.
Never pour used oil or antifreeze into the storm drain or the
street. Pick up after your dog, and dispose of the waste in the
toilet or the trash. Drive lesswalk or bike; many pollutants in our
waters come from car exhaust and car leaks.
Thanks for watching!!!
