World Wetlands Day was celebrated on February 2nd, 2020. However, every day is wetlands day on Earth, as wetlands are not only essential parts of natural ecosystems but they also contribute to water quality.
Usually located in depressions, wetlands receive surface runoff during storms. Water collects in these areas and contributes to stream flow when full or through ground water movement.
Wetlands act as a holding area for large quantities of surface water which can be slowly released into a watershed or infiltrated back into groundwater. A one-acre wetland, one foot deep, can hold approximately 330,000 gallons of water.
When wetlands are removed, increased flooding is the result. Wetlands also preserve water quality by removing nitrogen, phosphorus and pesticides from agricultural runoff. Chemicals and nutrients can enter a wetland through surface water and sediment, or through ground water.
Read more about how important wetlands are to surface and groundwater quality on the Purdue Extension website: https://www.extension.purdue.edu/extmedia/WQ/WQ-10.html
