Why does the Clean Water Act restrict dredge and fill material in wetlands?

The Clean Water Act (CWA) regulates the discharge of dredge and fill material into wetlands to protect their vital ecological functions and maintain the integrity of the nation's waters.12

Wetlands serve as essential "kidneys of the landscape," providing critical ecosystem services that include:

• Water Quality: They naturally collect, filter, and cleanse polluted waters.2
• Flood Control: Their capacity to absorb large volumes of water helps protect developed areas from flooding.2
• Biodiversity: They act as high-value habitats for diverse plant and animal species, including rare and endangered species.2
• Resource Management: They recharge groundwater aquifers and play a key role in nutrient cycling and carbon storage.2

Because wetlands are frequently destroyed or degraded for immediate economic gain without regard for their long-term ecological value, the CWA provides a regulatory framework to prevent their loss. Preserving these areas is a fundamental ethical responsibility, as their destruction undermines public health, environmental stability, and the sustainability of our natural resources.12