Explain
[Prettyboy Dam in Baltimore County, Maryland.]
A reservoir is a man-made or natural lake formed by blocking a river. It is used to provide drinking water or support irrigation systems for agriculture and farms.
Protect and Preserve Watersheds
In the previous video, you learned that the Gunpowder River watershed flows into two reservoirs. These reservoirs are the primary water sources for over 1.5 million Baltimore City and County residents. The reservoirs also protect the Chesapeake Bay watershed by controlling water flow, preventing floods, ensuring a consistent water supply, and supporting the diverse ecosystems within the watershed.
Chesapeake Bay Watershed
The Chesapeake Bay Watershed is the largest estuary in the United States, covering parts of six states — Maryland, Delaware, New York, Pennsylvania, Virginia, West Virginia, and the District of Columbia. It works like a giant funnel, collecting water from rainfall and runoff from rivers, streams, and other water sources that eventually flow into the Bay. However, the water is not always as clean as it should be. It is important to learn how to protect the health of our watershed, for everyone and everything that lives there.
Why do you think it is important to protect watersheds? What challenges do watersheds face?
Select Start below to learn more about watersheds. With a partner, complete the Protect and Preserve Watersheds graphic organizer.
Illustration by ©Williams Designs
Worksheet
Use the Protect and Preserve Watersheds graphic organizer to discuss how our actions on land can help make a difference in our waterways!
