Environmental Impacts

When wetlands are lost, phosphorus, nitrogen and other pollutants are released into the watershed. Environmental impacts such as algae blooms on some of our lakes and reservoirs are a symptom of increased nutrients being delivered from areas of wetland drainage.

Loss of wetlands also increases peak runoff and average annual sediment loading, which leads to erosion and damage downstream. A more subtle, but definite change is the slow but steady decline in native plant, waterfowl and wildlife populations.

Water quality

Water quality is one of the most important environmental impacts facing society. As nature's water filters, wetlands play a key role in keeping our water clean. A wetland ecosystem has the ability to remove harmful impurities from the water we drink and use every day -- long before it reaches our homes.

Nutrient loading

Wetlands purify our water by cleaning out excess nutrients like phosphorus and nitrogen. These nutrients can enter the water system from agricultural and industrial development and can pollute water and harm the life that depends on it. In fact, up to 92 per cent of phosphorus and 95 per cent of nitrogen draining from the surrounding watershed can be removed from water by passing through a wetland.

Erosion, flooding and drought

Wetlands can also trap up to 70 per cent of sediments found in runoff. This is important to purify our water and lessen the environmental impacts of erosion.

Wetlands also provide environmental and societal value by moderating the effects of flooding and drought.

Wetland conservation is critical if we want to keep our environmental resources healthy. The next time you take a drink of water, think about how Canada's wetlands work to keep our water clean.

TAKE A STAND FOR WETLANDS TODAY.