The Macoupin Watershed (HUC 07130012) is located in central Illinois and covers an area of approximately 1,062 square miles. The watershed is primarily agricultural, with corn and soybeans being the major crops. The hydrology of the watershed is characterized by a mix of natural and man-made channels, with the Macoupin and Shoal Creeks being the major streams. The watershed receives around 40 inches of precipitation annually, with snowfall being relatively rare. During the winter, the watershed experiences occasional freeze-thaw cycles which can result in ice jams and flooding. Surface water in the watershed is primarily used for irrigation and municipal supply. The major reservoir in the watershed is Lake Carlinville, which was constructed in 1946 for flood control and recreation. The climate of the region is characterized by hot summers and cold winters, with an average temperature of 54 degrees Fahrenheit. In recent years, there has been a noticeable trend towards warmer temperatures and more extreme weather events such as heavy precipitation and flooding.