Watersheds are complex systems with many distinctive components whose functions are highly inter-related.

Today, sustainable watershed management not only requires the control of the quality and quantity of water but the use of water resources within a watershed, that is both environmentally sustainable and economically efficient. It also requires a participatory approach, involving users, planners and policy-makers at all levels with the common understanding that the water has a value as an economic good.

DPRA Canada has developed a state of the art electronic system to support watershed management activities. The system is known as the Watershed Management Decision Support System (WMDSS).