Frequently Asked Questions
The Watershed Foundation
Can’t find your question below? Just contact us! We’re here to help.
What is a watershed?
A watershed is a land area that channels rainfall and snowmelt to creeks, streams, and rivers. Every small watershed drains to a larger watershed that eventually flows into reservoirs, bays, and oceans. Not everyone lives near a lake or stream, but we all live in a watershed! What happens on local land–in backyards or farm fields, public parks or parking lots–impacts local waterways. And what happens in local waterways affects our neighbors downstream and far beyond. Learn more about our watershed and how you can do your part to keep it clean!
I care about our lakes, but I don't know how to help. Where should I begin?
Here are three easy ways to get started:
- Visit Clear Choices Clean Water to learn how you can make everyday choices that truly make a difference, like planting native trees and flowers, using less fertilizer, and picking up pet waste. Browse resources, watch videos, and take an action pledge!
- Volunteer your time. You can plant native gardens, wrangle invasive weeds, collect water quality data, and more. Visit our Take Action page for ideas, or contact us to learn about volunteer opportunities.
- Support TWF and your local lake association!
I don't own lake property. What does water quality have to do with me?
Water quality affects everyone in our community! Our region’s diverse, abundant water resources make this area a wonderful place to live, work, and play. Water powers local industry and agriculture, provides rest and recreational opportunities, and meets essential needs for humans and wildlife. According to a recent study from our friends at the Lilly Center, the lakes in our community also contribute over $313 million annually to our local economy. Finally, water quality impacts public health — for better or worse.
In so many ways, the health of our watershed impacts the quality of our lives. That’s why we all need to do our part to support clean water. We hope you’ll join us!
There are multiple water-focused organizations in our area. It's confusing! Don't you all do the same thing?
It takes many organizations working together to protect our abundant local water resources! We share a vision of safe, healthy water in our communities. However, each organization has a different focus and mission. Here are a few examples:
- Some groups work only in specific counties. For example, our friends at the Lilly Center study the lakes and streams in Kosciusko County. Each county also has a local Soil and Water Conservation District that helps protect natural resources, including but not limited to water.
- Other organizations fix pollution problems after they occur in individual lakes. Most lakes have a Lake Association of some kind, which is responsible for work like dredging and weed control.
- The Watershed Foundation works throughout the entire Upper Tippecanoe Watershed, which covers 236 square miles, includes three counties, and contains more than 60 lakes, many creeks and streams, and the Tippecanoe River. We prevent pollution at its source on land before it reaches local waterways.
Though our work may look different, when we work together, we achieve so much more!
Are you in charge of sewer projects?
We are not. However, since properly functioning sewer systems protect against water pollution, we’re excited about recent sewer developments on local lakes, including the new Tippecanoe-Chapman Regional Sewer District! Read about the project here. You can reach the TCRSD Board and get involved here.
Do you help with weeds and dredging?
We do not. TWF prevents and fixes sources of pollution on land (in the watershed) before it reaches local waterways. Most lakes have a Lake Association of some kind, and they are your go-to resource for help with nuisance weeds, algae, and sediment. Not sure if you have a lake association? We’re happy to connect you! Just contact us.
What's the problem with concrete seawalls? Is this algae toxic? What do the buoys on my lake mean? Can't I just throw my yard waste into the lake?
We receive so many questions about lake health, aquatic plants and wildlife, best practices, and more! From helpful articles to water quality data to daily choices you can make for clean water, we have resources to support you. Here’s a small sample:
- For information about concrete seawalls, click here.
- For an algae cheat sheet, click here.
- For Buoys 101, click here.
- For more about lakeside lawn care, click here or check out Clear Choices Clean Water.
Can’t find what you’re looking for, or have a question? Just contact us! We’re here to help you take action for healthy lakes.