Watershed management is the study of the relevant characteristics of a watershed aimed at the sustainable distribution of its resources and the process of creating and implementing plans, programs, and projects to sustain and enhance
watershed functions that affect the
plant,
animal, and
human communities within a watershed boundary. Features of a watershed that agencies seek to manage include
water supply,
water quality,
drainage,
stormwater runoff,
water rights, and the overall planning and utilization of watersheds.
Landowners,
land use agencies, stormwater management experts, environmental specialists, water use surveyors and communities all play an integral part in watershed management.