catchment
/ˈkætʃmənt/
noun
- An area of land where water collects when it rains, often bounded by natural features like hills, and which drains into a river, lake, or reservoir.
- The river's catchment covers thousands of square miles of forest and farmland.
- Heavy rainfall in the mountain catchment caused the reservoir to overflow.
- Environmentalists are studying the health of the entire catchment to protect the water supply.
- The area from which a school, hospital, or other service draws its population or clients.
- The library's catchment expanded after they opened a branch in the neighboring district.
- The new high school serves a large catchment that includes several small towns.
- Hospitals in rural areas often have a wide catchment, covering many miles.
- The process or act of collecting or capturing something, especially water or resources.
- Efficient catchment of solar energy requires large panels.
- The roof is designed for rainwater catchment to supply the garden.
- The system improves the catchment of sediment before it reaches the river.