What is a Watershed?

A watershed is a land area that drains water into a creek, river, lake, wetland, bay, or groundwater aquifer. In the Santa Clara Valley, all the water from rain and irrigation which flows over the land surface (called runoff) goes into storm drains, creeks and rivers that flow directly to San Francisco Bay. You live in a watershed that flows to a local creek, and all of the runoff from your home, yard and neighborhood flows to that creek.

The Watershed Watch Campaign is dedicated to educating and informing the public about the importance and value of local watersheds, and why protection of watersheds is so important to you, your children and future generations.
 

Watershed Maps

You live in a watershed!  To view an area map of your local Santa Clara Valley watershed, click here.

Not sure which is your watershed? Click here.

 
For more information, see our Frequently Asked Questions page.