Understanding Watersheds

Front

Watershed

Back

of land draining water to a common point

Front

Divide

Back

Watershed boundary

Front

Benefit: Habitat support

Back

homes for plants and animals

Front

Human impact: Urbanization

Back

runoff and pollution

Front

Human impact: Agriculture

Back

fertilizers and pesticides to water

Front

Human impact: Deforestation

Back

water absorption, increases erosion

Front

Human impact: Industrial waste

Back

water with chemicals

Front

Compare: Urban vs. rural watershed

Back

urban has more runoff, rural absorbs more water

Front

Compare: Watershed with trees vs. without trees

Back

trees reduces erosion, without trees increases sediment

Front

Steps to improve a watershed

Back

trees, reduce pollution, manage runoff