American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP) Practice Exam

A watershed is BEST defined as the?

1. Area that contributes recharge to a public supply well

2. Area that contributes recharge to a surface water body

3. A and B

4. Area with the highest biodiversity

The correct answer is: Area that contributes recharge to a surface water body

A watershed is most accurately defined as the area that contributes recharge to a surface water body. This definition emphasizes the hydrological aspect of a watershed, which encompasses both the land and water systems that drain into a specific body of water, such as a river, lake, or ocean. The importance of understanding watersheds lies in their role in managing water resources, controlling flooding, and preserving ecosystems. They collect precipitation and channel it to surface water bodies, making option B specifically reflective of that function. While option A relates to the recharge of groundwater, it does not capture the complete essence of a watershed's function in relation to surface water. Additionally, option D, which refers to biodiversity, does not adequately describe the hydrological characteristics of a watershed, as watersheds can vary in biodiversity but are fundamentally defined by their water drainage properties. Therefore, the characterization of a watershed as the area contributing recharge to a surface water body provides a clear and focused understanding essential for planning and environmental management.