Ashokan Reservoir at Butternut Creek. Photo by Aaron Bennett
Fall has always been a time of magic and wonder in the Catskills.
Trees change color. Mornings turn crisp. A familiar drive reveals a hillside that seems to have changed overnight.
Beneath that seasonal beauty, another story is unfolding: water is moving through the landscape.
The West of Hudson Watershed stretches across portions of Delaware, Greene, Schoharie, Sullivan, and Ulster counties. Rain and snow that fall here replenish streams and six New York City water supply reservoirs: Ashokan, Cannonsville, Neversink, Pepacton, Rondout, and Schoharie. The land around those waterways is part of the water story, too. A watershed is the area of land where water drains toward shared streams, rivers, and reservoirs.
That connection is easy to see after an autumn rain. Water runs from rooftops and roads, soaks into soil, and makes its way toward nearby streams. Along the way, healthy landscapes and well-maintained infrastructure help protect water quality. The choices made on individual properties and in villages and towns can have effects far beyond any one address.
At the Catskill Watershed Corporation, that is the purpose behind a wide range of programs. Septic repair and replacement helps eligible property owners address failing systems. Stormwater programs help eligible projects meet watershed requirements. Flood mitigation work helps communities reduce damage and build resilience. Economic development programs support local businesses and jobs. Public education helps people understand the place they call home and the water system connected to it.
These efforts share a practical goal: healthy water and thriving communities. The people who live and work in the watershed are essential to both.
This fall, there are simple ways to get to know the watershed better. Notice where water goes during the next rain. Learn which reservoir is nearest to you. If you own a home with a septic system, locate your records and keep up with professional maintenance. Spend time in a watershed village, support a local business, or explore a public recreation area while following its access rules.
Fall may seem full of magic but it is our practical, preventative efforts that create a truly wonderful watershed in our gorgeous Catskills region.
Explore CWC’s programs and learn more about the watershed.