WATERSHEDS pg 163 Produced by the COMET ® Program in partnership with the National Environmental Education Foundation Connecting Weather to the Environment

Student Expectation Model the effects of human activity on groundwater and surface water in a watershed.

What is a watershed? A watershed is an area of land from which all runoff drains, or 'sheds' to the same river, lake, or other body of water.

Everyone lives in a watershed Your own backyard is part of a watershed. You’re already in one! You don’t need to visit the Grand Canyon to see a watershed.

The System of Watersheds Each is part of a larger picture or mosaic. Each is part of a larger picture or mosaic. Watersheds are like pieces of a puzzle:

A Nested System Watersheds are also like Russian Matryoshka or nesting dolls. Larger watersheds contain smaller watersheds, which contain even smaller ones.

Watershed Addresses Just as our homes have street addresses, our neighborhood watersheds have environmental addresses.

(Saginaw) Watershed Address Resources for finding your watershed: USGS Science in Your Watershed: water.usgs.gov/wsc EPA Surf Your Watershed:

Where does our water come from? Evaporation Ocean Storage Groundwater flow to oceans Aquifers Infiltration into the ground Springs Streams and rivers Condensation Precipitation Lakes Snowmelt All of our freshwater starts as precipitation, which moves continually through the hydrologic cycle.

The Surface-Groundwater System Surface and underground water bodies form an inter- connected system. Surface water recharges groundwater storage. Groundwater also flows up into surface water bodies.

Drinking Water Sources Most water systems (80%) in the U.S. use a ground water source for drinking water, but the majority of the population (66%) are served by surface water sources.

(Fort Worth(top) / Saginaw (bottom)) Drinking Water Visit Is it surface water or groundwater?

Weather & Watersheds: Rain What is the most common cause of pollution in streams, rivers, and oceans? 1.Dumping of garbage by cities 2.Surface water running off yards, streets, paved lots, and farm fields 3.Trash washed into the ocean from beaches 4.Waste dumped by factories

Sources of Pollution Precipitation runoff from farms, lawns, and paved surfaces is the leading source of water pollution in America today.

What’s in the water? Main pollutants: Fertilizers Herbicides Insecticides Oil, grease, and toxic chemicals from urban areas Sediment Road Salt Bacteria and Nitrogen Air pollutants

Urban Flooding Because urban watersheds contain so many paved surfaces… Less water goes into the ground, and… More heads for the nearest stream or low- lying area.

“Fracking” - Good Idea? Some reports state that with closely watched regulation, there is no greater risk to the environment than normal oil drilling Provide increased revenue ($$) for states and local governments Provide needed employment of well paying jobs Helps US get closer to “energy independence” or not importing fuels from other countries

“Fracking” – Bad Idea? Chemicals (some that cause cancer) are being pumped into the ground through pipes that run through our fresh water The drilling industry is currently exempt from the 2005 Safe Drinking Water Act (they don’t have to tell the public what they are pumping into the ground) There is a constant push for decreased government regulation Some reports state that farm animals have become very sick Risk of leaked gas like methane Increased risk of earthquakes

“Fracking” – Both good and bad ? There are clear benefits to fracking, but there are clear risks that can result in long term harm that include dangers to people and the environment. Scientific studies are currently ongoing in the U.S. and should be concluded in 2014, giving states and local governments a better idea of the risks involved. Early reports emphasize closely monitored regulation of this new technology to ensure safety.

Weather & Watersheds: Drought 1. Reduced soil moisture (plant stress) 2. Reduced water levels in lakes, reservoirs, wetlands 4. Groundwater depletion, land subsidence 3. Reduced water flow in streams, rivers, springs 5. Water quality problems How can drought impact a watershed?

Drought in Your Area Is your area experiencing drought? Resources: U.S. Drought Monitor Click on your state for a close-up view of drought stages.

Protecting Watersheds: What You Can Do Everyday Simple Ways to Protect Your Watershed Don’t Dump or LitterDon’t Dump or Litter Water and Landscape WiselyWater and Landscape Wisely Control the FlowControl the Flow Pick up After RoverPick up After Rover Fix that LeakFix that Leak Participate in a CleanupParticipate in a Cleanup

Video: “After the Strom” (21min) s6DzIE