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. Streams may even flow during dry months through the slow release of water stored in wetlands. Wetlands adjacent to lakes are very important to the ecology of the lake. These wetlands act as a nursery for a variety of organisms.