This photo shows people enjoying the beach at Center Lake. Maintaining water quality is important for continued enjoyment of lakes and streams in the Warsaw-area watershed. Individuals can help by providing input with water-related concerns to help develop a watershed management plan. (Photo provided)

By EILEEN OAKS
Outreach And Marketing Specialist, The Watershed Foundation

KOSCIUSKO COUNTY — Did you know that you live in a watershed? A watershed is the land area that funnels water into a lake, stream or wetland. It is important to protect the watershed area, because our lakes are a reflection of the land’s health.

One of the most important steps in protecting and improving water quality in our community is identifying where pollution problems exist. These problems can range from areas of frequent flooding, to visible contamination in the water, or instances of illegal dumping.

A map showing the Walnut Creek Watershed, the area the Clean Water Project is working toward developing a watershed management plan.

You can help. The Clean Waters Partnership, an extension of The Watershed Foundation, is currently focused on building a Watershed Management Plan for Warsaw, Winona Lake and the surrounding areas.

Local citizens have a unique perspective and familiarity with the land and lakes, and your expertise is needed in identifying and locating potential pollution sources and problem areas

Be part of the solution. Take a few minutes to share your thoughts and concerns through a short five-question survey at www.watershedfoundation.org.

The Watershed Foundation works to protect and improve water quality in the lakes and streams of the Upper Tippecanoe River watershed to ensure that future generations will have clean water for healthy and happy families and communities.