What role do wetlands play in water management?

Wetlands are crucial to water management due to their ability to filter pollutants and improve water quality. They act as natural water purifiers, trapping sediments and breaking down contaminants through biological and chemical processes. This filtration helps to remove excess nutrients, such as nitrogen and phosphorus, which can lead to water quality issues like algal blooms and oxygen depletion in aquatic ecosystems.

Additionally, wetlands provide habitat for a diverse range of wildlife and maintain biodiversity, which can further contribute to water quality by supporting various microorganisms that aid in nutrient cycling. Their ability to absorb excess water during heavy rainfall or snowmelt also helps mitigate flooding, thus playing a multifaceted role in effective water management strategies.

In contrast, the other options do not accurately reflect the beneficial contributions of wetlands to the environment. Increasing evaporation rates, reducing groundwater levels, and heightening flood risks do not align with the ecological functions and protective benefits that wetlands offer in managing water resources.