Why is Watershed Management Important?

New Jersey is the most densely populated state in the country. One million additional people are expected in the next 20 years. Sources for new development of surface water supplies are extremely limited. Our current reservoirs and drinking water supplies are irreplaceable. We need to protect, and in other cases, restore quality in our state's waters. Development of a comprehensive Watershed Management Plan is key to that process.

The New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP) recognizes that non-point source pollution, water withdrawals and land uses were creating new management issues that could not be addressed by regulatory programs alone. The State of NJ determined that a comprehensive watershed management process would be the most efficient means to address these issues.

What is a watershed approach? A coordinating framework that effectively protects and restores aquatic ecosystems and protects human health. Many water quality and ecosystem concerns are better examined at the watershed level, rather than at the level of an individual waterbody or discharger.
Effective watershed planning relies on a partnership that includes representatives of all stakeholders and works cooperatively toward a common goal. Stakeholder participation ensures lasting solutions.