Wetlands have important filtering capabilities. Wetlands filter surface- water runoff from higher dry land before it reaches open water. As the runoff water passes through, the wetlands retain excess nutrients and some pollutants. This filtering also helps to reduce sediment that would clog waterways and affect fish and amphibian egg development. In performing this filtering function, wetlands save us a great deal of money.

Without the natural filtration system of a wetland, money would most likely be spent on

A) building barrier islands.

B) coastal rebuilding efforts.

C) waste water treatment plants.

D) non-point source pollution clean up.