Watershed

A Watershed is the land that drains into a body of water. That is why it is also called a Drainage Basin. Runoff from rain and melting snow or ice flows over and through the land to collect in ponds, lakes streams and rivers.

A small stream or pond will have its own watershed which may be part of a larger watershed. These smaller streams and rivers are called Tributaries. For example, the Chesapeake Bay watershed is actually five different watersheds that join together. Each of these rivers has smaller rivers and streams or tributaries. The same is true for the Mississippi River, the Great Lakes and other large watersheds.

Do you know why watersheds are important? What do you know about the watershed you live in? Do you know about other watersheds in the United States? The following activity will help you explore your local water resources and those across the country. In addition, there is a lot of interesting information about how we use water and what other youth think about their water resources.

PROJECT:

(Youth will create and post a project booklet that describes their local water resources.)

• Pick a water topic.

The United State Geological Service provides much information about our water resources. You can learn much by going to: http://ga.water.usgs.gov/edu/.

• There are many topics to choose from including:
• Where water is found and how we use it
• Properties of water
• Special topics such as acid rain
• Surveys and quizzes
• Water glossary and much more

You can also go to: http://ga.water.usgs.gov/edu/mearthall.html and click on a topic about earth’s water of interest to you.

• Where do other youth across the country get their water? How much water do they use each day? What do they think is our biggest water issue? Take a survey to find out. Go to: http://ga.water.usgs.gov/edu/msac.html.

Do you know what watershed you live in? Do you know how much water flows though rivers and streams in your community? Go to this link and follow the directions below. http://water.usgs.gov/wsc/

1. Click on “Locate Your Watershed.”

2. Click on the area of the map that represents your state. Because some states have more than one watershed, click the area closest to where you live.

3.A map of your watershed will appear. Click on the location closest to where you live.

4.A map of one or more rivers will appear. Click on the river basin that is your watershed.

5.Each time you click, the map will bring you closer to your local river. The map area turns white in color when you have reached your watershed.

6.Your watershed may have many tributaries. Move the curser over each tributary and its name will appear. In some cases, it may be unnamed on the map.

7.At the bottom of the page is the link: “Additional Information for this Watershed.” Click on this link and you will find information about:

• Stream and river flow
• Water quality
• Groundwater
• Water use
• Publications and research about the watershed
• Real-time data (from measuring stations operating in the watershed.)

8. You can explore other watersheds or you can back-click to return to this page.