MR Watershed FAQ

1. What is a watershed?
A watershed is an area of land where all the water that falls on it drains into the same body of water, such as a river, lake, or ocean. It includes rivers, streams, groundwater, and runoff from rain or snow.

​

2. Why are watersheds important?
Watersheds are essential for supplying drinking water, supporting agriculture, sustaining ecosystems, and reducing flooding. They also filter pollutants and support biodiversity.

​

3. How can human activity impact a watershed?
Activities like construction, agriculture, deforestation, and urban development can increase pollution and erosion, alter water flow, and degrade habitat quality in a watershed.

​

4. What can I do to help protect my local watershed?

• Reduce use of fertilizers and pesticides

• Properly dispose of chemicals and waste

• Use rain barrels or native landscaping to reduce runoff

• Participate in local clean-up efforts or watershed organizations

• ​

5. What is stormwater runoff and why is it a problem?
Stormwater runoff is water from rain or snow that flows over surfaces like roads and rooftops instead of soaking into the ground. It can carry pollutants into local water bodies, degrading water quality and harming aquatic life.

​

6. What role do wetlands play in a watershed?
Wetlands act like natural filters, trapping sediments and pollutants. They also provide critical habitat, help control flooding, and recharge groundwater supplies.

​

7. How can I find out which watershed I live in?
You can find your watershed by checking with your local environmental agency, using online watershed mapping tools, or contacting local watershed councils or conservation districts.

​

8. What is a watershed management plan?
It’s a strategy developed by communities, scientists, and policymakers to sustainably manage land, water, and other resources within a watershed to improve or maintain water quality.

​

9. Can small actions really make a difference?
Yes! Every small action — like picking up litter or fixing a leaking car — contributes to better water quality and healthier ecosystems in your watershed.

​

10. Are there laws that protect watersheds?
Yes. Laws like the U.S. Clean Water Act and various state and local regulations help protect water quality by regulating pollution, setting standards, and funding conservation efforts.

​

11. What is my local watershed?

The Maquoketa River Watershed is a drainage area of about 1,694 square miles located in eastern Iowa. It includes land from nine counties and drains into the Mississippi River.

​

12. Which counties are part of the watershed?

The watershed spans Delaware, Jackson, Jones, Dubuque, Clinton, Buchanan, Fayette, Clayton, and Linn counties.

​

13. Where does the Maquoketa River begin and end?

The river begins in Fayette County and flows southeast through cities like Manchester and Monticello, eventually emptying into the Mississippi River in Jackson County.

​

14. Are there any major tributaries to the Maquoketa River?

Yes, the North Fork Maquoketa River is a major tributary, draining 592 square miles and passing through towns like Dyersville and Cascade.

​

15. What kind of terrain and landscape does the watershed cover?

The watershed features rolling hills and fertile farmland. It marks the edge of Iowa’s Driftless Area, known for its rugged terrain not flattened by glaciers.

 

16. Why is the Maquoketa River Watershed important?

It plays a crucial role in water quality, flood control, agriculture, and biodiversity. It also supports recreation like fishing, canoeing, and wildlife observation.

​

17. Who helps manage the watershed?

The Maquoketa River Watershed Management Authority (MR WMA), formed in 2017, includes 35 jurisdictions working together with cities, counties, soil and water conservation districts along with agencies such as the DNR and IDALS to improve water quality, reduce flooding, and promote sustainable practices.

​

18. What kind of recreational activities are available in the watershed?

Popular activities include fishing (for species like smallmouth bass, walleye, and northern pike), boating, and paddling!

​

19. What efforts are being made to improve the watershed?

The MR WMA, in partnership with organizations like the Iowa Initiative for Sustainable Communities, developed a Watershed Management Plan.  The WMA has also installed educational signage and offering public outreach through events thoughout the watershed. A program promoting cover crops is available now, offering $30/acre for planting cover crops in the watershed which helps reduces runoff to our waterways.

​

20. How can I get involved or learn more?

You can visit the our home page or contact the Watershed Coordinator by emailing erin@limestonebluffsrcd.org.