The Middle James Willis Watershed (HUC 02080205) covers approximately 448 square miles in southwestern Virginia. The area is characterized by a humid subtropical climate with hot summers and cool winters. The watershed is primarily rural, with agriculture and forestry being the main land uses. Hydrologically, the area is dominated by the James River and its tributaries. The watershed receives an average of 41 inches of precipitation annually and snowpack is typically only present in the winter months. Surface water quality in the James River is impacted by agricultural runoff, industrial discharges, and urban stormwater runoff. In recent years, drought conditions have become more frequent, negatively impacting surface water availability. The region is also prone to flooding, with significant events occurring in 1985, 1995, and 2018. The reservoirs within the watershed provide drinking water to nearby communities and support recreational activities such as fishing and boating.