Wetlands are Earth's natural water filters
Often called Earth's kidneys, wetlands naturally filter water by trapping sediments, absorbing excess nutrients, and breaking down pollutants, safeguarding our rivers and drinking water.
Wetlands, like marshes and swamps, are vital natural filters that purify water before it reaches rivers. They trap sediments, absorb excess nutrients like nitrogen and phosphorus from farm runoff, and break down harmful chemicals. Plants such as cattails soak up nutrients, while dense vegetation slows water, allowing pollutants to settle. Microbes in the waterlogged soil further degrade organic pollutants and heavy metals. This process is crucial for maintaining water quality and protecting aquatic life and drinking water sources. Scientists call wetlands the Earth's kidneys, and losing over 50% since the 1900s has worsened pollution. Restoring even small wetlands significantly improves local water health.