Forests are one of nature’s most effective water filters.

Leaves, brush and plants filter sediment and other material as rainfall flows across the forest floor, eventually flowing to Alabama’s streams, rivers and lakes.  Establishing forest cover on disturbed soils has long been recognized by scientists as one of the best ways to ensure the water remains clean and streams and rivers remain protected. 

Alabama’s Water Resources Facts:

• 17% of Alabama covered by reservoirs, lakes, ponds, rivers and marshes

• 15% of ALL surface water in lower 48 states found in Alabama

• 67% of Alabama’s surface water filtered through private forests, supplying drinking water for 70% of the state’s population

• #7 in nation in perennial stream-miles

• #1 in nation in navigable stream-miles

Protecting Water Quality

When soil is disturbed, the risk increases for rainfall events to wash sediment into streams and rivers, potentially degrading water quality.  The forest products industry takes great care during harvesting and other forest management activities to establish and protect streamside management zones (SMZs) to maintain a buffer between the streams and any potential movement of sediment.  Best Management Practices (BMPs), developed for landowners, loggers and foresters, provide voluntary guidelines to ensure water quality is protected during any forest operation.  Through annual surveys, Alabama Forestry Commission conducts and monitors BMP implementation. Results consistently show compliance rates greater than 98%. Numerous studies demonstrate the effectiveness of BMPs in protecting water quality.