Sustainable Water Supply

Sustainable Water Supply from Forests

15/07/2008

Forests are being viewed as a sustainable source of clean water by agricultural scientists. The water needs of both urban and agricultural areas are increasing and some of that need is expected to be achieved by managing forests more efficiently.

For most of the last century, forests were viewed as simply a source of wood and to a lesser extent valued as a natural control to global warming. Now they are seen as a valued source of clean quality water.

From Oregon State University, professor of geosciences Julia Jones who is also the vice chair of a National Research Council committee, said "Historically, forest managers have not focused much of their attention on water, and water managers have not focused on forests, but today's water problems demand that these groups work together closely."

Jones also said that "Because forests can release slightly more water for a decade or so following timber harvest, there have been suggestions that forests could be managed to increase water supplies in some areas," however "We've learned that such increases don't last very long, and often don't provide water when you need it most."

The committee released a report on the 'hydrologic effects of a changing forest landscape,' (in the US). Some of the points in the report are as follows:

Roughly one third of the country's land area is covered by forestation, and despite the fact that they are important for wilderness, timber production, habitat and recreation, their most important contribution is water.

Due to their natural filtration and storage systems, forests process almost two-thirds of the U.S. water.

The amount of forestation is declining and what forest lands remain are susceptible to fire, climate change and epidemics of disease and at the same time the requirement for water keeps on increasing due to population growth.

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