What is a Watershed?

A watershed is a land area that drains to a common waterway such as a: 

  • Bay
  • Creek
  • Groundwater aquifer
  • Lake
  • Ocean
  • River
  • Wetland

In the Santa Clara Valley, rain flows into creeks, rivers, and storm drains that flow to San Francisco Bay. Some of the water infiltrates the soil or is diverted to reservoirs and percolation ponds to replenish underground aquifers. You live in a watershed that flows to a local creek, and all of the runoff from your home, yard and neighborhood flows to that creek.

Show All Answers

1. What is a Watershed?
2. How do Watersheds work?
3. Why are Healthy Watersheds important?