TDM Consulting, Inc.

Did you know that 1 acre of wetlands filters 7.3 million gallons of water each year?

SAINT LOUIS, Mo. — From the Irish town of Wicklow, to the countries of Nigeria, Oman, Dubai, Australia, Ghana and the U.S., people around the world gathered Feb. 2, 2012 to celebrate the importance wetlands play in sustaining the environment.

“Wetlands are an essential component for many species that rely on them at some point in time in their lives,” Brian Johnson, Environmental Restoration Business Line Manager for the Mississippi Valley Division, said. “From north to south, migratory birds have to have wetlands for feeding, resting, breeding and rearing their young. They need wetland habitat from where they nest in the north to where they overwinter in the south, and at all points in between during their migration.”

“Wetlands have an amazing ability to filter water,” he said. “They are like nature’s water treatment centers. Wetlands are one of the keys to a healthy human environment and are among the most critical ecosystems in the world.” 

Often found where rivers, lakes and oceans meet land, wetlands provide a rich mix of nutrients and produce high levels of oxygen. Additionally, they filter chemicals out of water, reduce flooding and erosion and recharge groundwater.Pollutants such as metals, viruses, oils, excess nutrients, and sediment are processed and filtered out as water moves through wetland areas, forests, and riparian (streambank vegetation) zones. This purification process provides clean drinking water and water suitable for industrial uses, recreation and wildlife habitat.

For the entire article visit the website below:

http://www.usace.army.mil/Media/NewsArchive/StoryArticleView/tabid/232/Article/299/st-louis-ecosystem-restoration-project-highlights-importance-of-wetlands.aspx