- "Watershed management is the study of the relevant characteristics of a watershed aimed at the sustainable distribution of its resources..."
The practice of managing water resources in a sustainable manner, taking into account the competing demands of various users.
Water cycle: This is the process by which water moves between the atmosphere, land, and oceans.
Precipitation: This is the process by which atmospheric water vapor condenses and falls back to the earth in the form of rain, snow, hail or sleet.
Evaporation: This is the process by which water from the earth's surface is converted into water vapor in the atmosphere.
Transpiration: This is the process by which water is taken up by plants and then evaporates into the atmosphere through the leaves.
Infiltration: This is the process by which water on the earth's surface enters into the soil.
Runoff: This is the process by which water from precipitation or melting snow flows over the earth's surface and into rivers, lakes or oceans.
Groundwater: This is water that is found beneath the earth's surface in soil or rock formations.
Aquifer: This is a rock formation that can store water underground and is a source of groundwater for wells and springs.
Water management: This is the process of managing water resources to meet the needs of society, including agriculture, industry and domestic use.
Irrigation: This is the process of applying water to crops to assist their growth and yield.
Floods: This is the occurrence of excessive water on land that is not normally covered by water.
Drought: This is a period of unusually dry weather that can lead to a shortage of water for crops, animals and people.
Water conservation: This is the practice of using water efficiently and effectively to reduce waste and meet the needs of society.
Water quality: This is the measure of the suitability of water for its intended use, based on its physical, chemical and biological properties.
Water pollution: This is the release of substances into waterways that makes it harmful to animals, plants, and humans.
Water treatment: This is the process by which water is treated to remove impurities, making it safe for consumption.
Streamflow: This is the amount of water that flows through rivers and streams over a given period.
Watershed: This is an area of land that drains into a common water body.
Surface water: This is water that is found on the earth's surface, including rivers, lakes, and wetlands.
Groundwater recharge: This is the process of replenishing groundwater by allowing water to infiltrate into the soil.
Surface Water Management: This involves the management of water bodies such as rivers, lakes, and wetlands to ensure their quality and quantity is maintained.
Groundwater Management: This involves the management of underground water resources such as aquifers to ensure their quality and quantity is maintained.
Flood Management: This involves the management of flood-prone areas to minimize the damage caused by floods.
Drought Management: This involves the management of water resources during times of drought by implementing water conservation measures and using alternative sources of water.
Urban Water Management: This involves the management of water resources in urban areas, including the supply of drinking water, wastewater treatment, and stormwater management.
Agricultural Water Management: This involves the management of water resources in agricultural areas, including irrigation systems and efficient water use practices.
Coastal Water Management: This involves the management of water resources in coastal areas, including the conservation of marine ecosystems, management of coastal erosion, and monitoring of water quality.
Water Conservation Management: This involves the management of water resources to minimize wastage and promote sustainable water use practices.
Water Quality Management: This involves the management of water resources to ensure that the quality of water is maintained and protected from contamination.
Water Transport Management: This involves the management of water resources for transportation purposes, including managing harbors and ports, maintaining waterways, and regulating shipping.
Hydrological Modeling: This involves the use of mathematical models to simulate and forecast the behavior of water resources under different scenarios.
Integrated Water Resource Management: This involves the management of water resources in a comprehensive and integrated manner, taking into account the needs of all stakeholders and balancing economic, social, and environmental concerns.
- "...aimed at the sustainable distribution of its resources and the process of creating and implementing plans, programs, and projects to sustain and enhance watershed functions..."
- "Features of a watershed that agencies seek to manage include water supply, water quality, drainage, stormwater runoff, water rights..."
- "...planning and utilization of watersheds. Landowners, land use agencies, stormwater management experts, environmental specialists, water use surveyors and communities all play an integral part in watershed management."
- "Landowners, land use agencies, stormwater management experts, environmental specialists, water use surveyors, and communities all play an integral part in watershed management."