Watershed Management Division
A watershed is the land area where all rain, melting snow, and runoff drain downhill to the same place such as a stream, river, lake, or reservoir.
No matter where you live, work, or recreate, you are always in a watershed. Water flowing off rooftops, roads, yards, farms, and forests all moves through the watershed before reaching local streams and eventually larger rivers.
What happens on the land directly affects the quality of the water downstream.
What Is Watershed Management in Garrett County?
Watershed management is the coordinated effort to protect and improve water quality by managing how land is used and how water moves across it. In Garrett County, this includes:
Protecting drinking water sources
Reducing pollution and runoff
Managing stormwater and erosion
Supporting healthy streams, rivers, and lakes
Balancing environmental protection with recreation, tourism, and economic activity
Watershed management is not just about the water, it’s also about land use, development, infrastructure, and community choices that affect water quality over time.
Why Watersheds Matter to Residents and Visitors
Understanding watersheds helps people see how individual actions connect to the bigger picture.
For residents, watersheds can affect:
Drinking water quality
Property values
Flooding and erosion risks
Fishing, boating, and swimming
Long-term lake and stream health
For visitors, watersheds shape the outdoor experiences Garrett County is known for such as clean lakes, trout streams, scenic rivers, and public lands. Protecting watersheds helps ensure these resources remain healthy and enjoyable for everyone.
