A watershed is land that drains rainwater or snow into a body of water, such as a river, basin, or sea. These pieces of land play an incredibly important role in our economy. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) estimates that over $450 billion in food and fiber, manufactured goods, and tourism depend on the clean water supply that watersheds provide.Healthy watersheds also help in promoting sustainable community growth.
Here are some of the other reasons why it is crucial for you to play your part in protecting the watersheds in your local area:
-
Natural Habitat: Several species of plants and animals in the United States depend on watersheds to survive, such as the red-tailed hawk, bobcats, and trout. If the watershed is in good condition, then the ecology surrounding the area will be rich. -
Safe Water Supply: A healthy watershed can provide safe and clean water for the consumption of all living things in the vicinity of a particular watercourse, including people, plants, and wildlife. It is through this supply that people can cook their food, bathe, and clean their homes.
-
Recreation Areas: Healthy watersheds provide numerous possibilities for recreation like parks, trails, greenways, and forests. These natural areas can be enjoyed by people of all ages and can serve as a destination for joggers, cyclists, and outdoor enthusiasts.
-
Economic Benefits: A healthy watershed provides free natural water treatment services. This can reduce capital costs for the local government since there is no need to install a water treatment infrastructure that could cost millions or even billions of dollars to build.
The community of New Haven, CT, can depend on Regional Water Authority for a clean water supply. This non-profit company specializes in managing over 27,000 acres of watersheds and aquifer land to deliver high-quality drinking water. Their laboratory conducts over 120,000 tests each year to ensure that their supply of water is always safe. Call them at (203) 562-4020 or visit their website for more information.
