What's a Watershed?

Depending on where we live, we cross quite a few brooks, creeks, runs, branches, gulches, arroyos, bayous, ditches, or channels as we drive to work each day. Each stream we cross is part of a massive network of perhaps three million streams that drain to the rivers and, ultimately, to the sea. Each stream has its own watershed that circumscribes all of the land that drains to the point where we cross it. Collectively, these small watersheds provide critical natural services that sustain or enrich our daily lives: they supply our drinking water, critical habitat for plants and animals, areas of natural beauty, and water bodies for recreation and relaxation. Small streams are an important element of our local geography, and confer a strong sense of place to a community.

What is the clean Water Act?

Water Impairment Identification- Section 303(d\ This section of the Clean Water Act requires States to identify waters that do not or are not expected to meet applicable water quality standards with technology-based controls alone. Waters impacted by thermal discharges are also to be identified. After the identification and priority ranking of water quality-limited waters are completed, States are to develop TMDLs at a level necessary to achieve the applicable State water quality standards.

What is the problem with our reservoir?

The reservoir is receiving excessive amounts of sediment. Much of it appears to be running off of construction sites. Some may be coming from stream banks that are collapsing.

Excessive sedimentation is a concern because the Barnett Reservoir supplies Jackson’s drinking water, is used for recreation, and is a catalyst for economic development. The quality of life of northwest Rankin County is tied to the health of the reservoir.

Why is the Ross Barnett Reservoir so important to us?

The reservoir is important to us because it provides drinking water, recreational sports, and economic development.