Water: where does it come from, and how does biodiversity protect it?

Surface water

Surface water includes lakes, rivers, reservoirs, and wetlands, which are easily accessible but highly susceptible to contamination from agricultural runoff, industrial waste, and urban pollution. However, natural ecosystems like wetlands and riparian zones act as filters, trapping sediments and breaking down pollutants, significantly improving water quality.

Groundwater (aquifers and wells)

Groundwater is stored in underground aquifers and extracted through wells. While it is less exposed to immediate pollution than surface water, contaminants can accumulate over time. Healthy soil ecosystems and plant root systems play a vital role in filtering pollutants before they seep into these underground reserves.

Glaciers and ice caps

Glaciers and ice caps store the majority of the world’s freshwater. However, climate change is causing these critical water sources to melt at an accelerated rate, leading to rising sea levels and freshwater loss. Alpine ecosystems help regulate water flow by slowing down ice melt, ensuring a steady release over time.

Desalinated water

Desalination removes salt from seawater to create potable water, primarily in arid regions. While effective, this process is energy-intensive and has potential environmental impacts on marine ecosystems. Coastal biodiversity, such as seagrass meadows, helps maintain water quality by stabilizing sediments and absorbing pollutants in desalination zones.

Forests: natural water purifiers

Forests play a crucial role in water filtration. Trees and plants absorb pollutants, stabilize soil, and reduce erosion. They act as natural sponges, filtering rainwater before it reaches rivers and aquifers. However, deforestation disrupts these processes, leading to increased sedimentation and contamination of water bodies.

Wetlands: earth’s kidneys

Wetlands are among the most effective natural water filters. They remove excess nutrients such as nitrogen and phosphorus, trap heavy metals, and support diverse plant and animal life that helps break down organic pollutants. Unfortunately, wetland destruction due to urbanization and agriculture reduces their ability to purify water.

Marine and freshwater ecosystems: the first line of defense

Coastal and freshwater ecosystems, including coral reefs, mangroves, and seagrass beds, act as natural water filters, protecting coastlines and supporting marine life. Freshwater species, such as fish and invertebrates, help maintain ecological balance in rivers and lakes. However, pollution, overfishing, and climate change disrupt these systems, reducing their capacity to regulate water quality.

Bees and pollinators: indicators of water quality

Pollinators such as bees support biodiversity by maintaining plant health and diversity. Techniques like BeeOmonitoring, which uses bees to collect environmental samples, help detect pollutants before they reach water sources. Monitoring biodiversity with pollinators provides early warning signals of contamination risks.

• Engage communities: raising awareness and involving local stakeholders strengthens long-term water conservation efforts
• Adopt sustainable agriculture: reducing pesticide and fertilizer use prevents groundwater contamination.
• Support reforestation and wetland conservation: protecting these ecosystems enhances natural water filtration and reduces flood risks.
• Promote circular water use: reusing wastewater, harvesting rainwater, and reducing consumption are key strategies.
• Use nature-based monitoring solutions: innovative approaches like BeeOmonitoring detect pollutants before they reach critical water supplies.

The business case for proactive water catchment management

BeeOdiversity contributes to sustainable water management through various projects in Europe. One of them is Buffer +. This Interreg North-West Europe (NWE) initiative aims to restore peatlands and their ecological functionalities in the North West region to enhance the resilience of the territories by integrating biodiversity-friendly land use practices. By restoring natural habitats, supporting pollinator health and promoting regenerative farming, Buffer + helps protect water quality, capture carbon and ensures a sustainable future for ecosystems and communities alike.