Watercourse

A natural or artificial channel for the flow of water, such as a river, stream, canal, or ditch. It's a term that encompasses a broad range of waterways, from significant rivers carving their way through landscapes to smaller, man-made channels designed for drainage or irrigation. The essential characteristic is that water consistently or periodically flows through it. It's a fundamental element of hydrology and a vital resource for ecosystems and human activities, providing sources for drinking water, irrigation, transportation, and recreation. The study of watercourses is integral to environmental science, engineering, and resource management. Different legal frameworks also govern their usage and protection.

Watercourse meaning with examples

• The river, a vital watercourse, snaked through the valley, providing irrigation for the farmlands. Farmers depend on the natural watercourse to irrigate their crops. It was a bustling watercourse in the 1800s with cargo ships. The old maps showed the town's proximity to the major watercourse, emphasizing its historic importance for trade. Protecting this vital watercourse from pollution is essential for the health of the ecosystem.
• Engineers diverted the watercourse to prevent flooding in the nearby town after the heavy rainfall. The new plan called for a culvert to channel a minor watercourse safely. The city developed a new project with a well-designed watercourse to enhance drainage. They carefully considered the surrounding environment when modifying the watercourse. After the construction, this watercourse made a big difference to flood control.
• Wildlife flourished near the watercourse, drawing a variety of bird species. This particular watercourse was chosen to start our environmental study. Local communities used the watercourse for fishing and other recreational activities. It was a very diverse watercourse that housed many different species. The constant flow provided a habitat for many life forms in this important watercourse.
• The historic mill was powered by the fast flowing watercourse, its turning the wheels. Local businesses flourished due to the easy access the nearby watercourse provided. They built a new bridge to improve access over the major watercourse. The old trading posts were found near this essential watercourse. Because of the lack of water, it was an empty watercourse that dried up over the summer months.
• The canal is an artificial watercourse created to transport goods more efficiently. The plan was to build a series of locks along the watercourse. Before the dam construction, the watercourse had a different flow. The construction crew cleared the land to prepare for the new watercourse. They widened the watercourse to allow for larger boats to travel.