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Although wetlands may seem like a rather inconspicuous part of our environment, they are extremely important to both people and ecosystems. Wetlands are often directly related to a water source, meaning that they can drastically affect the quality and amount of water that we are able to use. An abundance of species that we rely on in turn rely on wetlands, so it is in our best interest to preserve them in the best condition possible. Water is a basic necessity for human life, and we cannot take it for granted.

Wetlands located near or around rivers serve as floodplains by absorbing and releasing water in proportion to the river's flow. In wet seasons, wetlands soak up excess river water that otherwise could have resulted in a disastrous flood. In dry seasons, wetlands give back to the river the water that they had previously absorbed. By building on these wetlands, we are risking the destruction of homes, businesses and farmland during the flooding season. Natural river cycles previously controlled by the wetlands can then result in catastrophe and death. When we cover these wetlands with manmade, non-absorbing substances like concrete and asphalt, the flood water will expand over a larger area until it can be soaked up. By trying to ignore the vital role that wetlands play, we are also setting ourselves up for disaster.

Besides controlling the amount of water we are able to use, wetlands can control water quality. When wetlands absorb water, fat soluble contaminants and pollutants get stuck to the soil and are left behind. Harmful substances like nitrates can be broken down and absorbed by plants living in the wetlands. This is especially important due to the fact that many wetlands serve as recharge zones for aquifers, which can function as primary sources of drinking water for some people. When we build on these wetlands, pollutants have a better chance of reaching the aquifer. The natural filtration process is disrupted and a larger amount of pollutants are created due to the development. If these contaminants reach the aquifer, they can directly affect our health.

Natural or artificial wetlands can also help in the process of waste disposal by filtering out contaminants from farm and industrial waste. Manmade wetlands are being used on farms to keep nitrates and phosphates out of nearby lakes. The importance of wetlands to our water quality is extremely important, and the consequences of building on them can far outweigh the economic benefits.

Overall, wetlands are a part of the environment that can benefit us directly, which consequently means that building on them can harm us directly. Preserving our wetlands is a key part of maintaining good water quality and preventing tragic floods. The consequences of building on them can be far reaching and range from water shortages to health issues. Even more than us, they affect the animals that need them. It is our duty to protect our wetlands and keep them in the best condition possible if we wish to benefit from them in the future.

Learn more about this author, Sandra Dapper.
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