What is a Watershed District?

Watershed districts are local units of government that work to solve and prevent water-related problems. The boundaries of the districts follow those of a natural watershed, and the districts are usually named after that watershed. 

Because water does not follow political boundaries, it makes sense to manage natural resources on a watershed basis. This type of management allows for an overall, holistic approach to resource conservation. 

Minnesota's 46 watershed districts are each governed by a board of managers appointed by the boards of commissioners of the counties that have land in the district. Chapter 103D of Minnesota Statutes is the enabling statute for watershed districts. 

To form a watershed district, local residents, cities or county boards may petition the Board of Soil and Water Resources (BWSR). Watershed districts are formed for reasons ranging from flood control to water quality protection. 

Watershed Districts are special purpose units of local government whose boundaries follow those of a natural watershed (an are of land in which all water flows to one outlet. 

All other government units, such as states, counties and cities have political boundaries. But water knows no boundaries - it goes where it wants to. 

• Watershed Districts are established when water management problems become greater than one community, city can handle. Water management on a watershed basis is important for uniform and effective controls, not only to correct problems but to prevent them.
   
• Watershed Districts were authorized by the Legislature in 1955 when it passed the Watershed Act, MSA103D. This legislation sets out the role and responsibilities for watershed districts in Minnesota.
   
• Watershed Districts are formed at the request of local citizens, county boards or cities by petitioning the Minnesota Board of Water and Soil Resources (BWSR) under the procedures set forth in the Watershed Act.
   
• Watershed Districts are governed by a Board of Managers appointed by the Boards of County Commissioners. All watershed district meetings are open to the public.

Watershed Districts in Minnesota…

• utilize a variety of water management tools to meet their goals and purpose of their district
   
• There are 46 watershed districts in Minnesota. They range in size from the Carnelian-Marine District with 43 square miles, to the Red Lake Watershed District with 5990 square miles.
   
• The name of the primary lake or river in the watershed is usually selected as the name of the watershed district.

Watershed districts in Minnesota…

• Are partners in water planning and management with the state, counties, cities and soil and water conservation districts;
   
• Are partners in wetlands protection and management with the state, counties, cities, and soil and water conservation districts;
   
• Conduct water quality surveys of lakes and streams within the district;
   
• Monitor groundwater levels;
   
• Manage draining systems;
   
• Regulate, conserve and control the use of water within the district;
   
• Provide for wildlife and enhance recreational opportunities as benefit of projects to improve water quality and provide flood protection;
   
• Establish, record and maintain hydrological data;
   
• Approve culvert size and placement in all roads of the district; and
   
• Other projects related to meeting the purposes of the district.