What Is A Watershed?

A watershed consists of all the land that drains into a common body of water. Small watersheds combine to form big watersheds that eventually lead to the ocean! In Monroe County, all watersheds flow into the Gulf of Mexico.

In Monroe County, the majority of the water drains into the Little Tennessee River. Land use such as agricultural, forestry, grazing, septic systems, recreational boating, urban runoff, construction, physical changes to stream channels, and habitat degradation all impact Monroe County’s water quality.

The Little Tennessee River Watershed

Why Does It Matter?

All living organisms need clean water to survive. Our actions have a direct impact on the ability of water to support uses like swimming, fishing, aquatic species habitat, and drinking water supply.

Water moves! Any impact within one watershed will impact the watersheds downstream.