Watersheds, Lakes, Rivers
New York State is rich with water resources: the Great Lakes in the northwest region, St. Lawrence River in the north, the Finger Lakes in the central region, the waters of the Hudson River/Lake Champlain that run from the Adirondacks into New York Harbor in the east and the marine waters of the Atlantic and Long Island Sound to name just a few. These bodies of water provide habitat for fish and aquatic animals, support local economies and also provide recreational opportunities for residents and tourists alike.
Lakes
New York State is richly endowed with more than 7,600 freshwater lakes, ponds and reservoirs, in addition to two of the five Great Lakes. These inland water bodies serve as the drinking water supply for nearly every large city and many small towns throughout the State, provide flood control, and support significant sectors of our economy including recreation, tourism, agriculture, fishing, power generation, and manufacturing. Lakes, ponds and reservoirs provide habitat for aquatic plant and animal life, and offer recreational opportunities for swimming, fishing, and boating.
Rivers
New York has approximately 135 rivers, which carry water on to larger water bodies. Overall, more than 70,000 miles of rivers and streams cross the State. Special attention has been given to the Hudson River, which becomes an estuary below Troy and has been designated as an American Heritage River.
Watersheds
A watershed is an area of land that drains into a body of water, such as a river, lake, reservoir, estuary, sea or ocean. The watershed includes both the streams and rivers that convey the water, as well as the land surfaces from which water runs off. Watersheds are separated from adjacent watersheds by high points, such as hills or slopes. New York State is divided into 17 watersheds, or drainage basins. These divisions are the basis for monitoring and assessment activities in the Division of Water, which are conducted according to a rotating basin schedule.
Water Quality Reports and Information
Select by watershed on the map below for links to published water quality monitoring and assessment reports and related information specific to the watershed. Alternatively, for a list of each of the watershed links, please use the link to NYS Watersheds in the left column of this page.
More about Watersheds, Lakes, Rivers:
- NYS Watersheds - Published water quality reports organized by drainage basin
- Watershed Management - Information about the watersheds of New York State
- Finger Lakes - The Finger Lakes run throughout Central New York State. They are home to some of the best fishing and camping in the area.
- Chesapeake Bay Tributary Strategy - Information on the Chesapeake Bay Watershed in New York State.
- New York City Watershed Program - Partnership to protect drinking water for New York City.
- Great Lakes - The Great Lakes are the largest group of freshwater lakes on the earth, and include lakes Huron, Ontario, Michigan, Erie and Superior
- Hudson River - A river that possesses an abundant and diverse array of natural resources.
- Wild, Scenic and Recreational Rivers - This page contains a list and description of the river segments designated as either wild, scenic or recreational in New York State.
