Frequently Asked Questions (FAQS)

What is a watershed?

A watershed is:

- A topographically delineated area of land from which rainwater can drain as surface run-off, via a specific stream or river system to a common outlet point which may be a dam, irrigation system or municipal water supply take off point, or where the stream/river discharges into a larger river, lake or the sea.

- A discrete geographical unit capable of providing water, timber and non-timber products including food, fiber, minerals, medicine and many intangible goods such as aesthetics and wholesome environment with solar radiation, precipitation, land, labor and capital as major inputs.

- Not necessarily an upland or a mountainous land form; it may also occur in a lowland setting, and the land surface may be a major site for residential, commercial, industrial, agricultural, educational, experimental, environmental and forest land uses. Many of these uses are often conflicting and competing with each other for the limited watershed land resource.

- A major source of nutrients and pollutants which are deposited in lakes, coastal areas, lowland plains and rivers.

Source: PCARRD-DOST-DENR-FMB-DA-UPLB-CFNR-FDC/ENFOR, 1999. Guidelines for Watershed Management and Development in the Philippines, Los Baños, Laguna, 241p.

What is a critical watershed?

- A drainage area of a river system supporting existing and proposed hydro-electric power and irrigation works needing immediate rehabilitation as it is being subjected to a fast denudation causing accelerated erosion and destructive floods (reference PD 705).

Source: PCARRD-DOST-DENR-FMB-DA-UPLB-CFNR-FDC/ENFOR, 1999. Guidelines for Watershed Management and Development in the Philippines, Los Baños, Laguna, 241p.