Watch rainwater flow over your yard and neighborhood and you will quickly see why a healthy watershed is important.
A healthy watershed:
*Reduces erosion-Trees, shrubs, grass, leaf cover, mulch and other natural material hold the soil in place. Look around for bare, unprotected soil and you will see what happens when it rains.
*Hold water-Trees and shrubs actually trap water in their leaves and bark. Visit any wooded area after a rain and you will hear the dripping water long after the last raindrop falls. The leaf mulch also acts like a giant sponge, soaking up large amounts of water. This reduces runoff that could cause flooding.
*Slows water-Water flowing over a natural watershed is slowed by the trees and other plants. This allows time for the water to soak into the ground. This process also filters the water, removing sediment and chemicals.
*Recharges groundwater-Healthy watersheds allow water to enter the grounwater aquifers. Slowing it down, trapping it and reducing the force of falling and flowing water gives it a chance to move underground.
*Protects water quality-A river or lake with a healty watershed is in much better condition than one with an impaired watershed. The health of the watershed must be maintained to ensure good water quality.
*Provides habitat-All wildlife need food, water and shelter. A healthy watershed provides all of these.
*Provides renewable resources-Healthy watersheds contribute many of the resources we need including water, clean air, wood products, game and foods.
*Aesthetics-Healthy & maintaining watersheds are important for our recreational enjoyment and maintaining a good quality of life.
