1. Water Quality and Erosion Control: Wetlands act as natural water filtration systems. They are part of a larger hydrological system that includes oceans, lakes, rivers, groundwater systems and weather-related processes. The three characteristics of wetlands play a role in maintaining water quality throughout a watershed system. Wetlands work to maintain water quality by intercepting surface runoff, nutrient uptake and retention, suspended solid and pollutant uptake and retention, heavy metals uptake and retention, pathogen (sewage) uptake and retention. The hydrophytic plants in a wetland have root systems that support the soil, ultimately reducing erosion of the banks. Wetlands also absorb energy and decrease the velocity of streams or river currents.
2. Flood Protection and Water Supply: Wetlands act as giant sponges or storage areas for surface runoff. Surplus water overloading a system can be efficiently stored. Wetlands are reservoirs of a watershed. They absorb surface runoff and slowly release the water other water bodies and as groundwater.
3. Habitat: Wetlands are invaluable habitats for a wide variety of species. The interface of land and water provide critical habitat for innumerable species. Opportune breeding, hibernating and foraging areas are central to wetlands as important habitat areas.

Wetlands are among the most diverse and productive ecosystems on Earth. The source of healthy watersheds, healthy communities and healthy people, wetlands also provide valuable habitat for a variety of species. But despite these important values, the wetlands continue to disappear.