Conserving Forests for Water Supply — Passage
Forests play a critical role in maintaining our water supply. They act as natural filters, cleaning water as it flows through the soil and into rivers, lakes, and aquifers. This process, known as watershed protection, ensures that we have access to clean drinking water.
Forests also help regulate the water cycle. Trees absorb water from the soil and release it into the atmosphere through transpiration, which contributes to rainfall. Without forests, areas can become drier and more prone to droughts.
Conserving forests is especially important in upstream areas, where rivers and streams originate. For example, the Amazon rainforest influences rainfall patterns across South America, while the Congo Basin forests are vital for water supply in Central Africa.
Deforestation in these areas can lead to water shortages, soil erosion, and flooding. For instance, when trees are cut down, rainwater flows quickly over the land instead of being absorbed, increasing the risk of floods.
To protect our water supply, we need to conserve forests through measures like reforestation, protected areas, and sustainable land use.
Governments and organizations are also working to restore degraded forests and promote policies that balance development with conservation.
Fun fact: A single tree can filter up to 100 gallons of water per day, making forests essential for clean water!
What role do forests play in the water supply?
They pollute waterThey act as natural filtersThey reduce rainfallThey increase floodingWhat is watershed protection?
The process of cleaning water as it flows through forestsThe destruction of forestsThe practice of building damsThe study of ocean currentsHow do trees contribute to rainfall?
By absorbing water from the soil and releasing it into the atmosphereBy blocking sunlightBy increasing CO₂ levelsBy reducing transpirationWhy is conserving upstream forests important?
They are easier to accessThey influence water supply and rainfall patternsThey have no impact on waterThey are less valuable than downstream forestsWhat is one consequence of deforestation?
Increased water absorptionWater shortages and floodingMore rainfallCleaner waterWhat is one way to conserve forests for water supply?
Cutting down more treesReforestationIgnoring deforestationBuilding more citiesWhat is the fun fact mentioned in the passage?
Forests are not important for waterA single tree can filter up to 100 gallons of water per dayTrees do not contribute to rainfallDeforestation improves water qualityWhat is one example of a forest that influences rainfall patterns?
The Sahara DesertThe Amazon rainforestThe Arctic tundraThe Rocky MountainsRelated Content
