What role do wetlands play in groundwater management?

Wetlands play a crucial role in groundwater management primarily because they assist in filtering pollutants. This natural filtration process occurs as water flows through the wetland's complex ecosystem, which includes various plant species and soil types. The plants and soil microbes can absorb harmful substances and break them down, thus improving the quality of water that eventually contributes to groundwater supplies.

Additionally, wetlands help to slow down the movement of water, allowing more time for contaminants to be filtered out before the water enters aquifers. This function is essential for maintaining clean groundwater, making wetlands a vital component of sustainable water management practices.

The other options do not accurately represent the beneficial role of wetlands. They do not harm groundwater quality, and while they can influence water levels and evaporation rates, these effects are generally not representative of their primary function in managing groundwater resources.