By soaking up the water, wetlands not only prevent floods but make water available during a drought. They also help reduce the threat of low salinities in coastal waters. Wetlands can also clean up contaminated water. Organisms and soils in a wetland act as a filter for fertilizers and other pollutants. Algae and bacteria break down mineral and organic matter, which can then be used as food for plant life.
Some municipalities use wetlands as the final stage in treating waste from sewage treatment plants .
Other communities are actually constructing wetlands for this purpose. However, wetlands can't perform miracles. They can be ruined by too much waste. Because the economic and health benefits of wetlands are now well known, Congress has passed several laws protecting them. However, in many areas developers want to build on the land, farmers want to cultivate it, and oil companies want to remove the oil under the ground.