Founded in 1969, the Riley Purgatory Bluff Creek Watershed District (RPBCWD) is a local unit of government tasked with protecting, managing, and restoring the water resources within its boundaries.

When it rains, water that falls on the land follows a path, either natural or human created to a waterbod. This area of land is called a watershed. Anything that happens in a watershed affects the lake, creek, wetland or pond it flows to. Watershed districts are charged with protecting and improving the water resources within their boundaries. Districts partner with local communities to identify top priorities and plan, implement and manage efforts to protect and improve water resources. They also work to engage and empower their community members to take part in the work of protecting clean water.