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Freshwater Ecosystems Discusses water quality, drought management and watershed protection issues More information is available at www.epa.gov/bioindicators/aquatic/freshwater.html Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Freshwater ecosystems are aquatic systems which contain drinkable water or water of almost no salt content. Freshwater resources include lakes and ponds, rivers and streams, reservoirs, wetlands, and groundwater. The United States derives many benefits from these freshwater resources. They provide the majority of our nation's drinking water resources, water resources for agriculture, industry, sanitation, as well as food including fish and shellfish. They also provide recreational opportunities and a means of transportation. In addition, freshwater ecosystems are home to numerous organisms (e.g., fish, amphibians, aquatic plants, and invertebrates). It has been estimated that 40% of all known fish species on Earth come from freshwater ecosystems. Keywords: Earth Sciences-Hydrology and limnology; Natural Resources and Conservation-Ecosystems Resource tags: Resources for science aware citizens
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