What Watershed Are You In?

Cities, counties, watershed districts, and other local agencies are often responsible for water quality in local watersheds. Local partner agencies can give a wealth of data, history, and expert guidance.

Nationwide - Identify your watershed, and look up basic data using a map-based directory from the Environmental Protection Agency.

In Minnesota- Search a map-based directory of local watershed district or watershed management organizations from the Board of Water and Soil Resources (At the BWSR site, click the "Local Gov'ts" button.) Many of them have their own Web sites. Click here to see a map of the different watershed district in the Minneapolis/St. Paul area.

Use Maps to Identify Your Watershed and its Resources - If you are on a lake shore or river bank, then you know what watershed you are in. Most places, however, you will need to look at some maps. Maps also tell what else is in the watershed.

• Watershed maps: Some local agencies can provide maps showing all kinds of data about your watershed.
• Storm sewer system maps: Ask your city or town Public Works office for a diagram showing where storm sewer pipes go. (Get phone numbers from the blue pages in the phone book.)
• Topographic maps: Locate geographic features, including hills and valleys. -
• Figure out watershed boundaries.
  Link to Give Water a Hand for step-by-step instructions.
  Obtain maps on-line, from map stores, or from the United States Geological Survey (USGS):
  - USGS
  - TopoZone
  - MapTech
  
• Highway maps: Use to identify recognizable landmarks. Buy anywhere.