Watts Branch (Potomac River tributary) facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Watts Branch
Location of the mouth in Maryland
Country	United States
State	Maryland
Physical characteristics
Main source	Rockville, Maryland 39°05′48″N 77°09′26″W / 39.0967748°N 77.1572024°W / 39.0967748; -77.1572024
River mouth	Potomac River Montgomery County, Maryland 167 ft (51 m) 39°02′23″N 77°15′36″W / 39.0398312°N 77.2599817°W / 39.0398312; -77.2599817
Length	11.2 mi (18.0 km)
Basin features
Basin size	22 sq mi (57 km2)
Tributaries	Left: Fallsmead, Horizon Hill, Cold Spring, Fallsreach, Kilgour Branch Right: Research Blvd., Lakewood, Valley Dr., Piney Branch, Sandy Branch

Watts Branch is a stream in Montgomery County, Maryland. It is a tributary of the Potomac River. A tributary is a smaller stream or river that flows into a larger one.

Journey of Watts Branch

Where Watts Branch Begins

The stream starts in the city of Rockville. This starting point is called the headwaters. From there, Watts Branch flows generally southwest.

Flowing to the Potomac River

Watts Branch travels for about 11.2 mi (18.0 km). It flows under the C&O Canal near a place called Swain's Lock. Finally, it reaches the Potomac River. The Potomac River then flows into the Chesapeake Bay.

Understanding the Watershed

The area of land that drains water into Watts Branch is called its watershed. This watershed covers about 22 sq mi (57 km²). All the rain and snow that falls in this area eventually flows into Watts Branch.

Protecting the Stream's Health

Parts of Watts Branch flow through a special natural area. This area is like a park, but it is mostly undeveloped. It acts as a riparian buffer zone. This zone helps protect the stream. It slows down stormwater runoff and filters out pollutants. This helps keep the stream banks from washing away, which is called erosion.

Streams Joining Watts Branch

Many smaller streams flow into Watts Branch. These are its tributaries. Here are some of the main ones:

• Research Boulevard Tributary
• Valley Drive Tributary
• Cold Spring Tributary
• Fallsreach Tributary
• Potomac Green Tributary
• Kilgour Branch
• Potomac View Branch
• Piney Branch
• Piney Glen Tributary
• Greenbriar Branch
• Sandy Branch