 Clean, healthy streams are important to Rockville—not just to protect people and to preserve the quality of our open spaces, but also to protect the water for the plants, insects and other animals that call these streams home. Clean water in Rockville helps preserve the health of Potomac River and Chesapeake Bay watersheds as well.
As in many urban areas, the health of our streams and waterways is threatened. This is due largely to the increased chance of contamination from human activities and the increased amount of impervious surfaces. As Rockville’s population grows, the amount of contaminants, such as fertilizers, sediments, pesticides and sewage, leaked through the storm drain system into the community’s streams increases as well. Rockville residents and businesses have the ability to help preserve the health of our streams. Everyone’s actions matter! What can you do to protect Rockville’s watersheds? - Never dump anything down the storm drain
- Don’t litter—litter travels through the storm drain and into our streams
- Apply fertilizers and pesticides correctly—excess chemicals can run off your lawn or garden into streams
- Always pick up pet waste
- Reduce the size of your lawn and practice on-site stormwater management activities such as planting a rain garden or installing a rain barrel
- From Creeks to the Chesapeake: Protecting Rockville's Watersheds
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What Is A Watershed?
A watershed is the land area from which all water, and everything carried by that water, flows or drains into a common river, lake, ocean, or other body of water. A watershed can be very large; for example, the Potomac River collects water from thousands of square miles; or very small, such as a 20-acre watershed that drains into a pond. Large watersheds are typically  called "basins" while a smaller watershed that nests inside of a larger watershed is sometimes referred to as a sub-watershed. Rockville’s Three Watersheds
The City of Rockville contributes to three watersheds: Cabin John Creek, Watts Branch and Rock Creek. Curious about where water on your property or neighborhood flows? Click the map on the right to view area watersheds. All of Rockville’s watersheds are part of the greater Potomac River Basin, which itself drains into the Chesapeake Bay. So, what we do in Rockville has a big impact on the Chesapeake Bay. To find out more about the Chesapeake Bay visit the Chesapeake Bay Program. | 
