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Wetlands are extremely valuable to society. Wetlands can decrease flooding , remove
pollutants from water , recharge groundwater, protect shorelines, provide
habitat for wildlife , and serve important recreational and cultural functions. Taken as a whole, it is estimated that the
aggregate value of services generated by wetlands throughout the world is $4.9
trillion per year (Costanza et al. 1997).
If
wetlands are lost, the cost of replacing them can be extremely expensive, if at all possible.
Lost wetlands can result in a city having to invest more money in drinking water
treatment or higher costs to citizens for flood insurance.
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