By: Annalissa Thomas

The many changes that are occurring in ground vegetation has a tremendous impact on global water resources. Urbanizing land and converting forests for alternate uses effect our water regimes, and as a result entire watersheds are effected. A watershed drains water into specific bodies of water, and they consist of networks of rivers, streams, and lakes (“Watersheds”). Forests are crucial to our water resources, so as forests are destroyed, so are watersheds. This article talks about how bringing attention to this fact is essential to prevent further damage from occurring. The recognition of the importance of vegetation needs to occur. Additionally, forest vegetation is a key indicator of the health of our water sources, so attention should be brought to this matter and actions should be taken. Vegetation has an important impact on waterways as it contributes to the balance of oxygen, nutrients, and sediment. Vegetation absorbs nutrients from water flowing into a waterway, slowing the flow of water, which allows sediment and pollution to deposit in the fringing zone, reducing sedimentation and pollution of the waterway (Western).

The article brings up how about 21% of the global population depends on forests for their water supply, so the destruction of these forests would affect a vast number of people. The conversion and destruction of forests and vegetation can increase chances of drought, especially in places where water supply is already scarce. Many may not realize the effect that forests have on our water, so it is important to bring attention to this matter because by knowing this information we are equipped with a tangible way to help the issue, and that is to stop the conversion and destruction of forests and vegetation.

 

Works Cited:

University of British Columbia Okanagan campus. “Forests are the key to fresh water: Both forest vegetation and climate change have an impact on water supply.” ScienceDaily. ScienceDaily, 7 December 2017. <www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2017/12/171207095007.htm>.

“Watersheds.” Watersheds, www.dec.ny.gov/lands/26561.html.

Western Australian Government, Department of Water. “Aquatic and Riparian Vegetation.”Western Australian Government, Department of Water, Western Australian Government, Department of Water, www.water.wa.gov.au/water-topics/waterways/values-of-our-waterways/aquatic-and-riparian-vegetation.