What is a Watershed?

By Jade Greene

A watershed is the land area where all rainwater flows downhill into the same place. Wherever you stand, you’re in one! Watersheds are defined by the geographic high points of the landscape: when it rains, water runs from ridges and hills down into streams, which then join larger creeks and eventually flow into rivers. Here in Bucks County, most of our watersheds ultimately drain into the Delaware River.

There are at least 25 different watersheds in Bucks County! Some are protected by a local organization:

What watershed do you live in? Find it here! https://maps.buckscounty.gov/datasets/1780ef5571c24269ad443d909a1e4ece_0/explore?location=40.263508%2C-74.900555%2C10.20 

Why do watersheds matter?

Watersheds connect us all. Watersheds are the land and water all around us, how we treat the land impacts water quality. Water and runoff replenishes our drinking water, nourishes farms and gardens, and supports wildlife and recreation. Healthy watersheds filter pollutants, reduce flooding by soaking up stormwater, and keep streams and rivers flowing clean. 

Ways to get involved to keep watersheds healthy:

Local Watershed Associations: 

Reach out to your local watershed association! They host volunteer opportunities, events, and more to connect you to your watershed. 

Watershed Associations in Bucks County: 

Aquetong (New Hope/Solebury) Cooks Creek (Springtown), Fry’s Run (Easton), Gallows Run (Kintnersville), Neshaminy* (Doylestown, Warwick, Wrightstown, Newtown, Northampton, Langhorne, Bristol, and Bensalem), Paunnacussing Creek (Carversville), Poquessing (Lower Moreland, Lower Southampton, Bensalem), Primrose Creek (Solebury).

Municipal Environmental Advisory Council/Committees (EAC): 

EACs are volunteer committees appointed by municipal local governments. They advise their municipal leaders (like supervisors and borough councils) on a variety of environmental topics and often lead events in their local municipality. Most townships and boroughs in Bucks County have their own EAC, look up your town’s government website to find them.

Penn State Extension Master Watershed Program: 

MWS is a volunteer education and service program, run by Penn State Extension, to train local citizens in watershed science, conservation, and community action. After completing a 40 hour training, each Master Watershed Steward engages the community in stewardship activities and projects. They are a great resource for best management projects like rain barrel workshops, tree plantings, and educational events.

Website: https://extension.psu.edu/programs/watershed-stewards/counties/bucks 

Bucks County Conservation District (BCCD): 

BCCD was created by Bucks County to provide for the wise use, management and development of the county’s soil, water and related natural resources. This is accomplished with the cooperation of public agencies, private groups and individuals. Through permitting, ordinances, and education, they protect water and soil. 

Website: https://bucksccd.org/

Ways to improve water quality:

• Plant native plants
• Properly maintain your septic system
• Plant riparian buffers along water bodies 
• Reduce lawn area and install rain gardens
• Pick up trash and do not litter
• Reduce or eliminate the use of pesticides, herbicides, and fertilizers
• Conserve water

Read more:

• https://www.buckscounty.gov/2121/Watersheds-Streams-and-Groundwater 
• https://bucksccd.org/programs-and-services/watershed-management/ 
• https://extension.psu.edu/programs/watershed-stewards/counties/bucks 
• https://www.aquetongwatershed.org/environmental-tips