Watersheds – USGS HUC 12

This data layer indicates the boundaries of the US Geological Survey (USGS) Hydrologic Unit Code (HUC) 12 Watersheds. It was developed by the USGS. A watershed is a natural landscape unit in which all of the precipitation that falls flows to the same outlet or basin. The USGS HUC 12 Watersheds were created by USGS and the Natural Resources Conservation Service as part of a nationwide mapping effort. There are over 3000 HUC 12 Watersheds in the entire state. They nest within the USGS HUC 10 Watersheds. Watersheds are an important natural boundary. The quality of the water collected within or flowing out of them reflects the health of the entire watershed. Any activities in the landscape unit must be viewed within the context of the watersheds they are located within.