The Tug Watershed (HUC 05070201) covers a land area of approximately 4,888 square miles in central and northern New York State. The area is characterized by a humid continental climate, with cold winters and warm summers. The watershed is primarily fed by surface water from numerous streams and rivers, and the main stem of the Tug Hill Plateau is a major contributor to the Black River. The region receives significant amounts of snowfall due to lake-effect snow, which contributes to a high snowpack in the winter months. The area has several reservoirs, including Hinckley Reservoir, which provides drinking water to the region. The reservoir is monitored for water quality and is known to contain high levels of naturally occurring organic compounds. In recent years, the area has seen an increase in severe weather events, including flooding and intense snowstorms.