Explore the countless waterbodies throughout New York State and learn about their importance, usage, and role in their ecosystems.
Waterbodies
Water Outreach
DEC's Division of Water invites you to learn more about its programs to protect and conserve New York's waters. Water Week is held annually in May to focus on New York’s abundant water resources, highlight water issues, and encourage stewardship. DEC and New York Water Environment Association sponsor an annual poster contest for middle school students to encourage students to learn about their role in the watershed they live in and how to conserve and protect our water resources, now and for future generations.
Watersheds
New York's waters (lakes, rivers, and streams) all fall within one of 17 major watersheds. A watershed is an area of land that drains into a specific body of water. Watersheds are separated by high elevation geographic features (mountains, hills, ridges). We all live in a watershed!
Oceans and Estuaries
New York has shoreline on the Northern Atlantic Ocean that connects to tidal and freshwater rivers and streams that drain through watersheds into the ocean. Within New York State there are several estuaries that serve as valuable habitat for marine life while providing essential human services to coastal communities. There are five major estuaries in New York State: Peconic Bays System, Long Island South Shore Bays System, New York/New Jersey Harbor, Hudson River Estuary, and the Long Island Sound.
Groundwater
Groundwater is an often misunderstood resource that provides drinking water to one quarter of New Yorkers, and half of all Americans. It can be found virtually everywhere on the planet at depths ranging from very shallow to very deep.
Wetlands
Wetlands (swamps, marshes, bogs, and similar areas) are areas saturated by water which support distinctive vegetation adapted for life in saturated soil conditions. They also absorb the forces of flood and tidal erosion to prevent loss of upland soil.
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