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New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services

Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Watershed?

A watershed is a geographic area in which all water drains to a given stream, lake, wetland, estuary, or ocean. Our landscape is made up of many interconnected watersheds. The boundary between watersheds is defined by the line that connects the highest elevations around the waterbodies. Within every watershed, water runs to the lowest point on that landscape - a stream, river, lake, estuary, or ocean. On its way, the water travels across farm fields, forestland, parking lots, highways, city streets, and backyards. You, and everyone in your watershed, use and impact the same water supply. You are part of one watershed community. The map below shows examples of watersheds around certain NH rivers, lakes, and coast.

Map of NH Watershed Planning Areas


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