How can forests be good for water?
Forest soils act much like a blotter, by filtering microscopic organisms from the water. In fact, the closer natural water is to a forest, the cleaner it is — which explains why municipal reservoirs are located as close as possible to the forest, collecting the water at its cleanest point. The forest also regulates the flow of water. Forest soil 36 inches deep can absorb 18 inches of precipitation, then gradually release it into natural channels. In this way, forests slow the volume of rainwater discharged into streams and rivers immediately after a rainstorm or snowfall. Newer forests are better water cleaners than old forests. An over-mature forest of large, old trees removes little nitrogen through its root system, passing most of it on to the soil. Younger trees filter out nearly all of the nitrogen and phosphorus, leaving water virtually free of these pollutants. Excerpt from the Appalachian Hardwood Manufacturers, Inc. website at: http://www.appalachianwood.org/forestry.htm.
