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What is a Watercourse?

Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

A watercourse is a moving body of water such as a stream, river, brook, or creek. By definition, watercourses must be flowing, but they may be natural or artificial, and they can also be seasonal, especially in areas with dry seasons which eliminate some bodies of water until the wet season arrives. A watercourse which is large and deep enough to be navigable is called a waterway; waterways can also be seasonal, reflecting fluctuations in water and sediment levels which could render a body of water temporarily unnavigable.

Watercourses are an extremely important part of the natural environment, and the study of watercourses is extensive and quite diverse. Watercourses carry runoff from glaciers, snow, and springs, providing water for animals and irrigation for plants, establishing unique habitats along the way. They can also carry sediments, provide a habitat for aquatic animals and plants, and shape the landscape as they wend their way across it.

The Three Gorges Dam, which spans a watercourse called the Yangtze River in Hubei province, China.
The Three Gorges Dam, which spans a watercourse called the Yangtze River in Hubei province, China.

The health of a regional watercourse is often of great importance o biologists and scientists, as unhealthy waterways can quickly make the surrounding area unhealthy. The study of watercourse health and management focuses on issues like water use, dams, erosion around watercourses, pollution, and animal studies to see which creatures call the area around the watercourse home. Fish and algae populations are often used as gauges to see how healthy a watercourse is.

Erosion may occur around waterways.
Erosion may occur around waterways.

A collection of watercourses which joins together at a single point to drain into an ocean or a large inland body of water is known as a watershed. All of the watercourses within a watershed are interconnected, so things which happen to one watercourse can affect the watershed as a whole. For example, if a watercourse becomes contaminated with agricultural runoff, it can carry pesticides, fertilizer, and herbicides down the watershed, polluting all of the water downstream and potentially causing significant environmental harm.

Small waterways, like brooks, creeks, and streams, are also watercourses.
Small waterways, like brooks, creeks, and streams, are also watercourses.

In addition to being an important part of the environment, watercourses are also important for human populations, who use watercourses to supply water to their communities, navigate, and recreate. Many humans enjoy swimming and boating on regional watercourses, and some people find it pleasant to live or work near a body of moving water, viewing the water as relaxing and pleasing to look at. Historically, human settlements are often very close to watercourses, because water is so important to human existence.

Frequently Asked Questions

What exactly is a watercourse?

A watercourse is a natural or man-made channel through which water flows, such as a river, brook, or stream. It can also include larger bodies of water like seas and oceans when considering the flow of currents. Watercourses are crucial for ecosystems, providing habitats and influencing landforms through erosion and deposition processes.

Are there different types of watercourses?

Yes, watercourses come in various forms, including perennial watercourses that flow year-round, and ephemeral watercourses that only flow after precipitation. Additionally, there are intermittent watercourses that have seasonal flows. Man-made watercourses, such as canals and ditches, are designed for irrigation, navigation, or drainage purposes.

How do watercourses affect local ecosystems?

Watercourses play a vital role in local ecosystems by providing habitats for aquatic and riparian species. They facilitate nutrient cycling, support plant growth, and enable migration and breeding for many animals. According to the World Wildlife Fund, freshwater ecosystems support more than 10% of the world's known species.

What human activities can impact watercourses?

Human activities such as agriculture, urban development, and industrial processes can significantly impact watercourses. Pollution, water extraction, and dam construction alter water quality and flow, affecting biodiversity and ecosystem health. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regulates these impacts through water quality standards and management practices.

Can watercourses change over time?

Watercourses can naturally change over time due to erosion, sediment deposition, and the shifting of tectonic plates. Climate change also influences watercourses by altering precipitation patterns and increasing extreme weather events, leading to changes in flow regimes and potentially the course of the watercourse itself.

Why is it important to protect watercourses?

Protecting watercourses is essential for maintaining biodiversity, ensuring clean water supplies, and preventing soil erosion. They are also critical for human livelihoods, supporting agriculture, industry, and recreation. Conservation efforts help sustain these vital resources for future generations and mitigate the impacts of climate change and pollution.

Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

Ever since she began contributing to the site several years ago, Mary has embraced the exciting challenge of being a AllThingsNature researcher and writer. Mary has a liberal arts degree from Goddard College and spends her free time reading, cooking, and exploring the great outdoors.

Learn more...
Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

Ever since she began contributing to the site several years ago, Mary has embraced the exciting challenge of being a AllThingsNature researcher and writer. Mary has a liberal arts degree from Goddard College and spends her free time reading, cooking, and exploring the great outdoors.

Learn more...

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    • The Three Gorges Dam, which spans a watercourse called the Yangtze River in Hubei province, China.
      By: Harvey Barrison
      The Three Gorges Dam, which spans a watercourse called the Yangtze River in Hubei province, China.
    • Erosion may occur around waterways.
      By: andrewburgess
      Erosion may occur around waterways.
    • Small waterways, like brooks, creeks, and streams, are also watercourses.
      By: Helen Hotson
      Small waterways, like brooks, creeks, and streams, are also watercourses.