Watershed Basics - Overview
Healthy watersheds are vital for a healthy environment and economy. Water affects every aspect of our lives from drinking, to agriculture, industry, power generation, to even just washing our cars. Many people also enjoy having rivers, lakes and streams for recreational use such as boating, fishing, or swimming. The condition of the watershed in turn influences all of these things. Our daily lives are dependent upon the condition of the watershed in which we live.
For a general description of what a watershed is and does see:
- What is a watershed
- Mapping your watershed
- Water quality
- What is a watershed
- Drinking water
- Ground water
Each part of a watershed contributes to its overall health:
A wealth of information on the
general topic of watersheds exists at the Conservation Technology Information
Center website Know
Your Watershed.
This site is highly recommended as a primary source of watershed information.
EPA's Watershed Academy
Web is an excellent source of online learning for key watershed management
topics.
The Watershed Information Network is available for regional information on watershed status and general information.
Watershed Resource Center Dedicated to protecting and improving the quality of life of residents in their watersheds through natural resource management. This site is brought to you through the combined efforts of the following agencies in a cooperative partnership: West Virginia's 14 Conservation Districts, U.S.D.A. Natural Resource Conservation Service, WV Resource Conservation &Development Association and the WV Conservation Agency. In addition to the Conservation Partnership, the Watershed Resource Center is a cooperative effort by the WV Department of Education, WV Department of Environmental Protection and the US Environmental Protection Agency.
A Watershed Primer for Pennsylvania A collection of essays on watershed issues, PA Environmental Council
CBS 3 Watersheds Interactive-Environment Web Site - some nice interactive graphics for the basics