Functions

Wetlands facilitate the flow of water between the ground water system and surface water system. Wetlands periodically perform different functions, depending on the gradient of the groundwater table and the topography of the land surface. The relationship of the groundwater table and the land surface dictates which function - groundwater recharge or discharge - a wetland performs.

1) Groundwater Recharge - wetlands add water to the groundwater system, and
2) Groundwater Discharge - wetlands take water from the groundwater system.

Nearly all of Maryland's wetlands are ground water discharge areas, at least for some portion of the year (Fugro East, Inc., 1995). Variations in the depth of the ground water table, resulting from seasonal changes in climate, dictate which of these functions - discharge or recharge - a wetland will perform at a given time.

(from Tiner and Burke, 1995)

values

Ground water discharge helps maintain a wetland's water balance and water chemistry. This wetland function is also critical to the formation of hydric soils and the maintenance of ecosystem habitats in different types of wetlands.

Ground water recharge is the primary mechanism for aquifer replenishment which ensures future sources of groundwater for commercial and residential use.