Define Watershed.

A watershed, also known as a catchment or drainage basin, is a geographic area of land defined by natural topographic boundaries, such as ridges, hills, and mountains, that collects and channels precipitation, surface runoff, and groundwater into a common outlet, such as a river, lake, or ocean. Watersheds are fundamental units of hydrological and ecological systems, serving as interconnected networks of land and water resources that shape the flow of water, nutrients, and energy across landscapes.

In a watershed, all surface water and groundwater within its boundaries drain towards a single point, forming a unified hydrological system where water flows downhill along a network of streams, rivers, and watercourses, eventually converging into larger bodies of water. Watersheds vary in size and complexity, ranging from small headwater streams and tributaries to large river basins and continental divides, each playing a critical role in regulating water quantity, quality, and distribution within its boundaries.

Watersheds are dynamic and interconnected ecosystems that support a diverse array of habitats, species, and ecological processes, including water purification, flood regulation, sediment transport, and habitat connectivity. They provide essential ecosystem services such as water supply, food production, biodiversity conservation, and recreational opportunities, contributing to the health, well-being, and resilience of both natural and human communities.

Understanding and managing watersheds is essential for sustainable water resources management, environmental conservation, and land use planning. By recognizing the interconnectedness of land and water systems within watersheds, stakeholders can make informed decisions, implement effective policies, and adopt integrated approaches to watershed management that balance competing water uses, protect ecosystem integrity, and promote the long-term sustainability of water resources for present and future generations.