Watersheds

Regional_Watersheds map

What is a Watershed?


"We all live in a watershed — the area that drains to a common waterway, such as a stream, lake, estuary, wetland, aquifer or even the ocean — and our individual actions can directly affect it. Working together using a watershed approach will help protect our nation's water resources. A watershed approach is the most effective framework to address today's water resource challenges. Watersheds supply drinking water, provide recreation and sustain life. More than $450 billion in food and fiber, manufactured goods and tourism depends on clean water and healthy watersheds." ( US EPA, 2002 )

Watershed Approach to Water Quality Management


Surface Water Management staff provide support to four watershed councils in Pierce County. Watershed councils depend on partnerships with cities, resource agencies, nonprofits, academia, and residents to improve water quality and habitat, educate,  increase public awareness about watershed health.
Learn more about the councils and the four watersheds in Pierce County:
Learn about the Hydrologic Unit Code (HUC 14/16) delineation project that is underway by watching the video below:
Contact Us
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Tom Kantz
Watershed Services Supervisor
Phone: (253) 798-4625
Monday–Friday
7:30 a.m.–4:00 p.m.
Mailing Address:
2702 S 42nd St, Ste 109
Tacoma, WA 98409-7322