What are Ecosystem Services? Goods and life supporting services provided by natural ecosystem. Goods timber fisheries pharmaceuticals Services pollination of crops and natural vegetation pest control mitigation of droughts and floods moderation of weather extremes pest control maintenance of biodiversity contribute to climate stability detoxification of wastes purification of air and water

What is Water Purification? Water purification occurs when contaminants, such as metals, viruses, oils, excess nutrients, sediment, and debris are removed as water flows through wetlands, forests, and riparian zones.

Pollutants that Affect Waterways Nutrients –Nitrogen - Phosphorus Pathogens –Viruses - Microorganisms Salt, sand, petrochemicals, and heavy metals –Urban pollutants - Road sediments Pesticides and herbicides –Agricultural- Non-agricultural Thermal pollution –Industrial and energy generation effluents - Vegetation removal

The Purification Process Nutrients –direct uptake by plants, algae, bacteria, insects, and fish –soil absorption –denitrification Pesticides –bacteria Pathogens –not well understood Heavy metals –chemical oxidation or reduction Sedimentation –filtration

Valuation of Water Purification Services Replacement costs –constructed wetlands –Wastewater treatment plants –Chemical cleaners Recreation Health Biodiversity Esthetic/Quality of Life Ethical

Threats to Water Purification Services Draining of wetlands Deforestation Pollution (urban, industrial, and agricultural) Introduced species Dam construction and water diversions Growth in human population and consumption

Solutions Political and Social Habitat protection Restoration of wetland and riparian systems Balance human and ecosystem needs for water quality and quantity Consideration of impacts on waterways as part of all urban, industrial, and agricultural development Financial and political resources Continued research

Solutions Individual Actions Avoid overfertilizing your lawn and overtreating with pesticides Do not pour pesticides, oil, fertilizers, and other toxic wastes in sewers or drains Support parks and other natural areas Volunteer to monitor and clean a waterway Help plant vegetation along waterways Attend community meetings that deal with development issues.