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During a rainstorm, the rainwater flows over the land and becomes stormwater runoff. This stormwater runoff runs downhill to our streams, creeks and rivers. The land area that drains rainwater runoff is called a watershed a very important part of the water cycle.
Fast Facts: About Columbia’s Watersheds
The City of Columbia, Missouri has 19 watersheds located just within our city limits.
The largest watershed is the Hinkson Creek watershed.
The Hinkson drains roughly 88.5 square miles of land, all in Boone County. Hinkson Creek itself is 26 miles long, originating east of Hallsville and traveling southwest through the city to join Perche Creek in southwest Columbia.
Several large tributaries spill into Hinkson Creek within the Columbia area. Grindstone Creek and Hominy Branch originate from the east, Flat Branch and County House Branch drain the interior of Columbia, and Meredith Branch and Mill Creek drain the western portion of Columbia.
Columbia, Missouri - Watersheds
Have you seen these signs?
Have you seen these signs along the roadway around town? These watershed signs tell you what watershed you are entering. Look for the watershed signs next time you are in the car. Watch out for them in Boone County as more signs get installed each year!
-Earth is covered in 70% water and unfortunately, 40-50% of our nation’s waters are impaired or threatened. “Impaired” means that the water body does not support one or more of its intended uses. This could mean that the water is not suitable to drink, swim in, or consume the fish that was caught there. Erosion, Littering and not picking up your pets’ waste are just a few ways these pollutants reach our local waterways. -
What watershed do you live in? Find out by your home address!
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