Natural Resources Canada
www.nrcan.gc.ca
Common menu bar links
Waterscape Gulf Islands
Protecting and conserving
our island water
Protecting and conserving
our island water
Water for ecosystems
 |  |  |
Nature needs water too!
Stream-side forests protect streams.
- Groundwater recharge
- Water filtration
- Wildlife corridor
- Shade cools stream water
- Wildlife habitat
- Erosion control
- Salmon habitat
- Water filtration
Streams and wetlands can be damaged by human activities that reduce natural water flow.
How wetlands work
- Bacteria break down contaminants
- Contaminants and sediment are filtered
- Wildlife habitat
- Cleaner water outflow
- Slow release of stored water
- Groundwater infiltration
- Saturated soil stores water
Be careful! Over-pumping of groundwater wells can reduce vital springs that maintain stream flow and wetlands through the summer.
| | |
http://geoscape.nrcan.gc.ca/h2o/gulf/eco_e.php