The Watershed Approach
- Overview
- Planning
- Technical Resources
- Data and Models
- Funding
- Capacity Building
- Additional Resources
We all live in a watershed — the area that drains to a common waterway, such as a stream, lake, estuary, wetland, aquifer or even the ocean — and our individual actions can directly affect it. Working together using a watershed approach will help protect our nation's water resources.
A watershed approach is the most effective framework to address today's water resource challenges. Watersheds supply drinking water, provide recreation and sustain life. More than $450 billion in food and fiber, manufactured goods and tourism depends on clean water and healthy watersheds.
A Watershed Approach:
Is hydrologically defined
- geographically focused
- includes all stressors (air and water)
Involves all stakeholders
- includes public (federal, state, local) and private sector
- is community based
- includes a coordinating framework
Strategically addresses priority water resource goals (e.g. water quality, habitat)
- integrates multiple programs (regulatory and voluntary)
- based on sound science
- aided by strategic watershed plans
- uses adaptive management