What is a Watershed?

A watershed is the entire area of land that drains into a distinct creek or river system. It includes creeks, drainage areas, ditches, storm drains, flood plains, and land that water flows over or under on the way to a creek or bay. Watersheds catch and store rain. Climate, elevation, soil, plants, steepness of the land, and size of the watershed affect the rate at which stored water is released from the watershed into creeks.

The watersheds within Sonoma County are supported by two Resource Conservation Districts: Sonoma and Gold Ridge. You can use this GIS map to determine what district a property is located within. 

Learn more about Sonoma Resource Conservation District watersheds: