You're in a Watershed Now!

In simplest terms, a watershed is where water drains (either from rain fall or snow melt) from an area of land to a particular creek in the Bayshore region or to the bay itself. Drop by drop, water is channeled into soils, groundwater, creeks, and lakes, making its way to bay waters and eventually to the Atlantic Ocean . In other words, a watershed is an area of land that "sheds" or drains its runoff water into a particular waterway. 

Imagine your bathtub is a watershed area and the drain is a river. Any water that falls inside the tub (watershed) will eventually go down the drain (river) carrying dirt and soap with it. The high sides of the tub (like mountains or hills) keep the water from ending up on the floor (or in other nearby watersheds or waterways).

Watersheds connect the land to the coast via streams, creeks, and rivers!

Watersheds come in all shapes and sizes. They cross county, state, and national boundaries.

No matter where you are, you're in a watershed!

All the land in northern Monmouth County and southeastern Middlesex County (around 60 square miles) drains to either Raritan Bay or Sandy Hook Bay via countless creeks, wetland areas, and groundwater.  

Because water does not follow political boundaries, it makes sense to manage water quality on a watershed basis. Think about it. Where are the cleanest waters and healthiest wetlands in New Jersey ? Usually where there is the least human activity. As human activity increases within a watershed, either through farming, industry, or urban development, local water quality always declines.

(A male Red-breasted Merganser swimming in Leonardo State Marina)

When a creek, lake, river, or wetland is in trouble, one of the first things a water quality specialist will do is look at what is going on in its watershed. An action plan is then developed to assist people in changing from harmful watershed activities to ones that are more water friendly.

Do you know the name of the creek, lake or body of water flowing near your house?

What watershed do you live in?

No matter where you live, work, or play you are within a watershed!

Central NJ Watershed Groups

 

THE NORTHERN BAYSHORE REGION OF NEW JERSEY (RARITAN BAY & SANDY HOOK BAY) IS PART OF AN URBAN OR DEVELOPED WATERSHED

 

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