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How
it works
Natural wetlands, swamps, bogs, sloughs, potholes and marshes occur in every
state in the Nation and vary widely in size, shape, and type. Sloughs, potholes
and marshes in low-lying areas are most common in Iowa. A wetland may have
standing water year-round or may hold surface water for only part of the
year.
How it
helps
- Wetlands can provide natural
pollution control. They remove nutrients, pesticides and bacteria from
surface waters and can act as efficient, low cost sewage and animal waste
treament practices.
- Wetlands filter and collect sediment from runoff water.
- Because wetlands slow overland flow and store runoff water, they reduce both soil erosion and flooding downstream.
- Many wetlands release water slowly
into the ground which recharges groundwater supplies.
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