Characteristics of a Healthy Watershed

A watershed is an area of land drained by a stream or a system of streams. It includes the area between ridgetops which drains into one outlet. Watersheds include uplands, valley lands, riparian areas and wetlands, waterways (rivers and lakes) and estuaries. Healthy watersheds provide for the capture, storage and safe release of precipitation.

Features of Healthy Uplands:

• Capture precipitation and snow melt and stores it for safe, slow release to streams.

• Has a diversity of plant species to provide good ground cover and help water infiltration.

• Recharges groundwater aquifers providing high quality water to the rest of the watershed.

Features of Healthy Valley Lands including Wetlands:

• Has a high water table as a result of associated healthy upland and riparian conditions.

• Has vegetative cover that:

1. Filters sediment and reduces nonpoint source pollution.

2. Slows the velocity of flood flows and seasonal waters reducing soil erosion.

3. Deposits soil which can improve land production

4. Slowly releases water for aquifer recharge and increased stream baseflow.

Features of Healthy Riparian or Streamside Areas:

• Has a diversity of river bank vegetation which:

1. Provides streambank stability

2. Increases bank storage of water and water table levels

3. Dissipates velocities of flood flows

4. Filters sediment and potential pollutants from runoff water

5. Insulates streams from temperature extremes

• Has a constant supply of older trees to contribute large woody debris to dissipate flood energy and create aquatic habitat.

• Supplies food sources to the adjacent waterways.

Features of Healthy Waterways: Rivers and Lakes:

• Has a diverse habitat including pools, riffles, glides; meandering, deep, narrow channels; large woody debris (trees); boulders.

• Has higher late season streamflows up uplands and riparian area are healthy.

• Has reduced flood flows with less energy.

• Has cool water, free of sediment and pollutants.

• Includes diverse populations of fish and wildlife.



Adapted from a fact sheet by Department of Water Resources, Salem, OR.