With the help of healthy creeks, streams, and wetlands, downstream communities and infrastructure can be protected from excessive rains. Photo by Bethany O’Hagan

Something seems a little different with the weather we’ve been having here in Western New York. This spring has been a lot wetter than the previous springs I’ve experienced. Most people I talk about the weather with, or even just causally mention rain to, agree that this amount of rain is unprecedented. While it’s a bummer to reschedule so many sports games, outdoor events, and hikes, and while too much rain can sometimes cause problems like flooding and soil erosion, too much rain can also be a good thing for humans and the environment.

BENEFITS FOR HUMANS

– Replenishes water resources: Rain fills up rivers, lakes, and underground aquifers, ensuring a continuous supply of freshwater for ecosystems and human consumption.

– Supports ecosystems and biodiversity: Regular rainfall nourishes forests, grasslands, and other habitats, providing water and resources for countless species of plants and animals.

– Cleans the air: Rain washes away dust, pollutants, and allergens, improving air quality.

– Cools the environment: Rain helps lower temperatures, providing relief from hot weather.

– Promotes healthy soil: Rain supports the nutrient cycle, keeping soil fertile and productive for plant growth.

BENEFITS FOR PLANTS AND AGRICULTURE:

– Rainwater contains nitrogen: Nitrogen is a vital nutrient for plant growth that supports chlorophyll production and overall plant health. The more rain, the more nitrogen.

– Rainwater contains more oxygen: Rainwater contains more dissolved oxygen than tap water, which contributes to healthy plant growth.

– Rainwater is naturally soft: Free of chemicals that we find in our local water sources, rainwater is free from chemicals like chlorine and fluoride, while also containing a slight amount of acidic pH, which can improve nutrient absorption in soil.

– Reduces reliance on irrigation: Rainfall can lessen the need for artificial watering systems, saving resources like overuse of aquifers and local wells, which reduces costs.

It is crucial though to distinguish between beneficial rainfall and excessive rainfall. While rain is vital for life, too much rain can lead to flooding, soil erosion, delayed planting and harvesting of crops, as well as an increased risk of pests and diseases. This is where creeks, rivers, and wetlands play a crucial role in mitigating flooding and managing stormwater when it rains too much. As a land trust, Chautauqua Watershed Conservancy preserves and protects our creeks, rivers, and streams that help absorb and store excess water.

BENEFITS OF CREEKS, STREAMS, AND WETLANDS WITH EXCESS RAIN:

– Slowing Down Runoff: The natural features of creeks, such as vegetation along the banks and meandering channels, slow down the flow of water. This allows more time for the water to be absorbed into the ground, reducing the volume and speed of floodwater.

– Water Storage: Wetlands act like natural sponges, absorbing and storing excess water from rain, snowmelt, and floodwaters. This reduces the volume of water flowing into rivers and streams, preventing them from overflowing and causing floods. One acre of wetland can store a significant amount of water, with estimates ranging from 330,000 gallons to 1.5 million gallons.

– Slowing Down Water Flow: The dense vegetation and natural features within wetlands, such as grass and reeds, slow down the speed of floodwater. This helps to reduce the force of the water and allows more time for infiltration into the soil, minimizing erosion and damage downstream.

– Reduced Flood Peaks: By storing and slowing down water, wetlands effectively reduce flood peaks, which are the highest levels of water reached during a flood or heavy rain event. This is especially beneficial in urban areas, where impervious surfaces increase runoff and the risk of flooding.

– Reduced Strain on Infrastructure: Wetlands also help to reduce the pressure on man-made flood defenses like levees and storm drains by controlling and slowing down floodwaters.

Even though we are receiving an unprecedented amount of water so far this year, it is important to remember it’s a good thing. And with the help of healthy creeks, streams, and wetlands to naturally offset heavy rains and flooding by absorbing, slowing down, and filtering heavy rains and floodwaters, downstream communities and infrastructure can be protected. Restoring and protecting these natural features is, therefore, essential for effective flood control and overall watershed health.

Chautauqua Watershed Conservancy is a not-for-profit organization with a mission to preserve and enhance the quality, scenic beauty, and ecological health of the Chautauqua region’s lands and waters for our community. For more information, visit chautauquawatershed.org and follow us on Facebook and Instagram.