But, the word was originally a geographical term describing the area from which water sources drain into a single river or a ridge, like that formed by a chain of mountains, which sends water to two different rivers on either side. From that, watershed came to mean a turning point or dividing line in life.

Building dams and rerouting rivers are two examples of ways humans directly impact water in watersheds. Humans also use water as a resource, drawing from watersheds for our drinking water. This does not have to be a negative impact, as water usage can be monitored so that it is sustainable.

A watershed is the area of land that drains surface water and groundwater to a common water body, such as a creek, stream, lake or the ocean. We all live in a watershed, regardless of how far we are from a body of water; therefore, the activities we do on land impact our water quality.

watershed, water parting, divide(noun) a ridge of land that separates two adjacent river systems. Synonyms: river basin, drainage area, landmark, catchment area, watershed, drainage basin, catchment basin, divide, turning point, basin, water parting.

All watersheds have two things in common: They collect and move precipitation from higher to lower elevations. As the water washes over the land, it picks up pollutants such as oil, grease, fertilizers, pesticides, trash, and dirt.

Noun. Opposite of a crucial or decisive point or situation. certainty. clarity.

Synonyms of watershed

• climacteric,
• climax,
• corner,
• landmark,
• milepost,
• milestone,
• turning point.

A watershed is an area of land that drains or “sheds” water into a specific waterbody. Every body of water has a watershed. Watersheds drain rainfall and snowmelt into streams and rivers. These smaller bodies of water flow into larger ones, including lakes, bays, and oceans.

No matter where you live, your home is situated in a watershed: a land area that drains to a central location, such as a lake, river, or ocean.