The Muskingum River Watershed, which covers more than 8,000 square miles and drains into the Muskingum River, is the largest wholly contained watershed in the state of Ohio, covering about 20 percent of the state. The Muskingum River - which is formed by the confluence of the Tuscarawas and Walhonding rivers at Coshocton, OH - empties into the Ohio River at Marietta.
The system of reservoirs and dams in the watershed offers flood reduction and water conservation benefits to the region's property owners and residents. The Muskingum Watershed Conservancy District (MWCD), a political subdivision of the State of Ohio, was responsible for the development of the reservoirs and dams. Today the MWCD is dedicated to providing the benefits of flood reduction, water conservation and recreational opportunities in the Muskingum River Watershed.