There are numerous benefits from naturally-functioning floodplains.  Natural floodplains provide storage for floodwaters and flood conveyance, improve water quality, recharge groundwater, and provide habitat for wildlife. These areas also provide a number of diverse recreational opportunities.

Floodplains:

- Provide flood storage and conveyance

- Filter nutrients and impurities from runoff
- Reduce flood velocities

- Process organic wastes

- Reduce flood peaks

- Moderate temperature of water
- Reduce sedimentation
- Promote infiltration and aquifer recharge
- Reduce frequency and duration of low surface flows
- Support high rate of plant growth

- Provide breeding and feeding grounds
- Maintain biodiversity

- Create and enhance waterfowl habitat
- Maintain integrity of ecosystem

- Protect habitats for rare and endangered species
- Enhance agricultural lands

- Provide areas for active and passive uses
- Provide sites for aquaculture

- Provide open space
- Restore and enhance forest lands

- Provide aesthetic pleasure
- Contain cultural resources (historic and archaeological sites)

- Provide opportunities of environmental and other studies

- A Unified National Program for Floodplain Management, 1994, p. 41