Hudson River Watershed Model

This watershed model of the Hudson River was custom designed to illustrate the water cycle and the importance of preventing pollution of stormwater runoff.

About the model –
The Hudson River Watershed Model provides an interactive learning experience that demonstrates how stormwater runoff can carry pollution to New York’s lakes, rivers and streams. The model illustrates key features of the nearby landscape (including the museum itself!) westward to the Hudson River, and the geologic layers below the surface. The Scientist’s Desk accompanying the model includes ecology tools, an interactive hydrology map and preserved samples of insects, plants, minerals and rocks.

Why? –
Everyone depends on clean water, and therefore has a responsibility to keep it clean. In order to protect water, an understanding of the water cycle and how pollution can contaminate rivers, lakes and streams is necessary. The New York State Thruway Authority, and Canal Corporation, are working to prevent pollution from all its roads and facilities. An important part of this effort is education. Educating the public about pollution prevention can help to make this a success.

Who? –
This exhibit was made possible through a partnership between the New York State Thruway Authority and Canal Corporation, the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, and the Children’s Museum of Science and Technology. The model was designed and constructed by Petraworks, Inc.

Q. What is a watershed?  
A. A watershed is an area of land where all the water that falls in it and drains off it goes to the same place. For example, all water in the Hudson River watershed would eventually flow into the Hudson River. The entire Hudson River watershed is 13,400 square miles.

Q. What is the water cycle?
A. The water cycle is the system by which water moves through the environment. Water is collected and redistributed through several processes: precipitation (rain, snow); infiltration and percolation into soil; transpiration (moved through roots, plants, and into atmosphere); evaporation; and condensation.

Q. What is non-point source pollution?
A. Non-point source pollution enters the environment from a widespread area that is not clearly defined. Rather than coming from the end of a pipe, non-point source pollution comes from storm runoff (rain, snow) from parking lots, industrial areas, even farmland. It can contain oils, spilled chemicals, pesticides, litter and other sources of pollution.

Q. How does the New York State Thruway Authority work to prevent stormwater pollution?
A. A federal regulation requires permits for stormwater discharges from Municipal Separate Storm Sewer Systems (MS4s), which includes the New York State Thruway Authority and Canal Corporation (NYSTA/NYSCC). Under this permit, NYSTA/NYSCC is implementing a five-year, system-wide stormwater management program that includes public education and outreach; public participation; detection and elimination of all illicit discharges; construction site runoff control; post-construction runoff control; and pollution prevention. NYSTA/NYSCC is working hard to help protect clean water.