How do wetlands contribute to water management?

Wetlands play a crucial role in water management primarily because they act as natural filters and provide essential habitat for wildlife. The unique structure of wetlands allows them to filter pollutants and sediments from surface runoff, which helps to improve water quality in surrounding water bodies. This natural filtration process can significantly reduce nutrients like nitrogen and phosphorus, which, when in excess, can lead to problems such as algal blooms.

Additionally, wetlands provide habitat for a diverse range of wildlife species, including many that are threatened or endangered. This biodiversity is vital for the overall health of ecosystems, as it supports various food webs and contributes to ecological balance. By serving both as a filter for pollutants and as a habitat, wetlands are integral to sustainable water management practices, contributing to healthier waterways and ecosystems.

The other choices do not accurately capture the beneficial roles that wetlands play. Increasing the salinity of water bodies can have negative impacts on ecosystems, facilitating urban development can lead to the destruction of these critical environments, and storing wastewater for treatment is a function typically associated with engineered systems rather than natural wetlands.