How can urban development negatively affect surface water?

Urban development can significantly impact surface water primarily due to the increase in impervious surfaces, such as roads, sidewalks, and buildings. These surfaces prevent water from soaking into the ground, which means that rainwater and melting snow cannot infiltrate the soil as it would in a natural landscape. Instead, the water runs off these surfaces directly into nearby streams, rivers, and lakes.

This increased runoff leads to several issues: it can cause flooding, as the volume of water flowing into waterways during rain events is much higher than what would naturally occur. Additionally, the runoff often carries pollutants such as oil, heavy metals, and sediments, which can degrade water quality and harm aquatic ecosystems. Furthermore, the increase in runoff can also lead to erosion along stream banks, further harming water bodies and their habitats.

Understanding the consequences of urban development on surface water helps underscore the importance of planning and management practices aimed at maintaining or restoring natural drainage patterns, protecting water quality, and preserving aquatic habitats.