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A lesson on the importance of buffers like wetlands to filter and trap pollutants before they enter our drinking water sources (worksheet)
A watershed is a region or area draining to a particular watercourse or body of water. Watersheds drain rainfall and melting snow into the nearest waterbody such as a river, lake, stream, ocean, or wetland that lies at the lowest part of watershed. Watersheds can be small or large, and most are interconnected eventually draining into the ultimate waterbodies – the bays, gulfs or oceans. Everyone lives in a watershed.
There are two types of water pollution that can impact the water quality of watershed.
Point Source Pollution is a type of pollution that can be traced back to specific source. Some examples include: - Industrial Plant, - Sewage Treatment Plant
Non Point Source Pollution is pollution that originates from many sources. Each time it rains, run-off from the streets picks up litter, car lubricants, pet waste, excess fertilizers and pesticides, leaves, etc. These pollutants reach our waterways via wind, storm drains, and general run-off.
Wetlands are an important component of a watershed. They regulate large quantities of water that would otherwise flood land. In times of heavy rain, wetlands can store the extra water and prevent flooding. During periods of drought, wetlands become a source of water. Sometimes they recharge or replenish aquifers, an underground source of water that supplies wells. Wetlands can also trap and filter sediment and pollutants that are washed off the land. They purify water by acting like a sponge, soaking up rainwater that runs off the land before it enters rivers and streams. The large root mass of wetland plants and the soil itself work together to remove pollutants and nutrients from water. Trapping the sediment in wetlands means that streams can remain clear and fast-running for fish. Some communities have created wetlands to treat wastewater.
Follow-up Activity: Do a yard walk with your class (or a neighborhood walk around your home). Notice and think more about any storm sewer drains and any local wastewater ponds (often found in parks). Where is water flowing? Is it being cleaned? Naturally filtered? Where does it go next? Research and draw out the path of local water flow if you can. Google Earth could be a great tool here!