All of these wetlands go through a natural progression of filling up with sediment. Historically, wetlands in their natural state were viewed as fairly useless and unimportant places. Their main value was seen in their potential for farmland after being drained. Many of the natural wetlands were drained for just this purpose. Only in recent years have people begun to realize the importance of wetlands, as wetlands.
Wetlands play an important role in maintaining our groundwater and surface water quality and supply.
The biologically active wetlands act as a filter, removing pollutants from the water. Another important service wetlands perform is flood control. Wetlands are able to take in huge volumes of water in short periods with very little overflow. By doing this, they slow the flow rate of rivers and help reduce flood damage. Wetlands also act as a source of water during dry periods.