What is a Watershed?

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) provides the formal definition of a watershed as

a land area that channels rainfall and snowmelt to creeks, streams, and rivers and eventually to outflow points such as reservoirs, bays, and the ocean

Watersheds are essential to society by funneling water (such as rain or snow) into bodies of water (such as lakes, rivers, and streams). The water supply is used for drinking, agriculture, manufacturing, habitat ecosystems – and recreation. Delaware has some of the most beautiful watersheds in the country.

Why Are Watersheds Important?

Watersheds are of profound importance because they significantly contribute to life-sustaining environments. Today’s societal landscape is draped in impervious surfaces. Impervious refers to surfaces that water from rainfall or snow cannot penetrate, such as concrete surfaces and roofs. The stormwater (or runoff) rides on top of impervious surfaces that direct the current along the topography toward storm drains. As the current picks up speed, it also picks up debris and toxins and promptly carries them to the storm drains. Connecting the dots, storm drains flow into watersheds and directly affect water quality and the environment. Unfortunately, many people falsely believe that storm drains and sewers are the same and that all water ends up in the same place.

Storm Drains Are Different From Sewers?

YES. The critical difference is that stormwater (runoff) is NOT treated. Sanitary sewers receive water from homes and businesses via kitchen sinks, laundry rooms, and bathrooms. Sanitary sewer water travels through underground infrastructure to wastewater treatment facilities. Stormwater travels to bodies of water via water sheds without seeing the inside of a facility. Read that again. Watersheds reflect the attention and care we give to storm drains. The Delaware River Watershed is a prime example. 

The Delaware River Watershed

The Delaware River offers unbridled adventure, wildlife, and breathtaking scenes. The Delaware Watershed sprawls across four states and connects to and supports over 25,000 rivers and streams, making it a vital economic, life-sustaining, and recreational resource for millions of people and animals. On the flip side, the Delaware River Watershed is fed by the runoff across four states and several communities. Delaware communities provide some of the most beautiful hiking trails in the world, like Trap Pond State Park.

Where to Visit in Delaware?

Trap Pond State Park is in Laurel, Delaware, and boasts a trail that hugs the pond exploding with Bald Cypress trees. The community of Laurel is full of stunning ponds and trails. Trap Pond isn’t the only pond in the park. Nanticoke River and Watershed is a hop, skip, and jump away just over the border. Travel by ferry to explore surreal surroundings like visiting another world. Where else can you explore off the beaten path?

• Thousand Acre Marsh-New Castle County
• Fork Branch – Kent County
• Beach Plum Island – Sussex County

Delaware is home to well-known beaches along its coast, but there is something to be said about the lesser-known gems of natural beauty that play an essential role in our quality of life. It is crucial that we help preserve and protect these areas. Remember, the attention and care we give our stormwater infrastructure impacts watershed environments.

Standard Pipe Services, LLC assists HOAs, municipalities, and local governments in finding the means to achieve community goals in sanitary sewer and stormwater maintenance. Connect with us today to collaborate on your community infrastructure projects. Keep informed and contact us or follow us on LinkedIn and FaceBook.