Reservoirs can provide vital support to wetlands, or damage their stability and disrupt their natural balance. The inundation of wetland areas during reservoir creation can lead to the loss of natural habitats for wetland-dependent species. The altered flow of water can disrupt the hydrology of surrounding wetlands, potentially affecting water levels, nutrient cycling, and sediment deposition. Changes in water temperature and quality due to reservoir releases can also impact wetland ecosystems.
However, reservoirs can sometimes create new wetland habitats in the surrounding areas, offering opportunities for wetland species. The impact of reservoirs on wetlands varies depending on factors like reservoir size, location, and the extent of wetland preservation and management efforts during and after reservoir construction.
