A watershed is a region in which all land drains to a particular body of water or common point.
Watershed Assessment is the use of chemical, physical, and biological measurements and indicators to determine the health of a watershed. By predicting future water conditions (using chemical, physical, and biological indicators), watershed assessments proived municipalities with management recommendations to maintain and improve watershed health.
Watershed Assessments, along with monitoring and protection plans, are requried by the Georgia Environmental Protection Division as part of the NPDES (National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System) permitting process for waste water treatment upgrades and new waste water treatment facility construction.
The Georgia Environmental Protection Division (GAEPD) recommends using a watershed approach to determine and examine factors, such as point and non point sources of pollution or land use changes, which affect water quality. Watershed Monitoring Plans, Watershed Assessments, and Watershed Protection Plans provide a basis for protecting Georgia 's waters.
Watershed Assessments, along with Monitoring and Protection plans, are requried by the Georgia Environmental Protection Division as part of the NPDES (National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System) permitting process for waste water treatment upgrades and new waste water treatment facility construction.
Successful completion of watershed monitoring, assessment and protection may fulfill NPDES (National Pollution Discharge Elimination System) permit requirements for wastewater treatment facilities and/or may be used during TMDL (Total Maximum Daily Load) implementation.
For more detailed background information on Watershed Assessments in Georgia, please see the GAEPD Guidance for Watershed Monitoring, Assessment, and Protection or click on the links at the top of the page!
How the UGA Watershed Group Can Help Your Community
The University of Georgia's Watershed Group provides watershed assessment services through the Department of Biological and Agricultural Engineering and the Warnell School of Foresty and Natural Resources (biological assessment services). Please look through this website for more information on what we do. Please contact us if you are interested in our services or for further information.