Jump to main content.


Quick Finder

Adopt Your WatershedAir Deposition Climate Change Gulf of Mexico Hypoxia Lakes Marine Pollution Control Monitoring and Assessment National Aquatic Resource SurveysNational Estuary ProgamOceans, Coasts, and Estuaries Permitting Polluted Runoff Control Rivers/Streams Sustainable Infrastructure Targeted Watershed Grants Program Total Maximum Daily Loads Watershed WebcastsWatersheds Water Quality Trading ´Waters of the U.S.´ Issues Wetlands

Some features of this site require the latest version of Adobe Flash Player. (About Flash)


View the Text Version (PDF) (5 pp, 37K, About PDF) of the Wetlands, Oceans and Watersheds video

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. Wetlands are important elements of a watershed because they serve as the link between land and water resources. Oceans, coasts, and estuaries provide critical natural habitat and recreational areas for our nation. With coastal populations increasing, pressures on oceans and coastal waters are growing.

In 2009 many people, communities and organizations across the United States will be celebrating the Year of Science. The 12-month event will highlight different scientific themes each month. Sustainability and the Environment will be the featured topic in May, followed by Oceans and Water in June.

Participate in the President's community service initiative, United We Serve. EPA's Adopt your Watershed program encourages you to work for clean water by joining with local organizations to monitor water quality, restore habitat, build rain gardens, plant trees, or clean up debris. Share your community service success story.



Find Your Watershed

Enter your 5-digit ZIP code:

we all live in a watershed
Recent News and Updates

Wetlands, Oceans and Watersheds news via HTML», RSS», or Twitter» Exit EPA Disclaimer

Announcing the EPA Water Quality Video Contest Winners
(also see the 22 Honorable Mentions)

Some features of this site require the latest version of Adobe Flash Player. (About Flash)

In the 30 or 60 second category, the winner is "Protect Our Water- Check Car for Oil Leaks" submitted by Lucas H. Ridley of Trenton, Georgia

Download the video: Protect Our Water- Check Car for Oil Leaks (MP4) (About Quicktime)

In the 1-3 minute category, the winning video is "Dastardly Deeds and the Water Pollution Monster" submitted by Nora Kelley Parren of Hinesburg, Vermont

Download the video: Dastardly Deeds and the Water Pollution Monster (MP4) (About Quicktime)

About OWOW About Office of Water For More Information En Español


Local Navigation


Jump to main content.