How do stormwater management practices influence water supply?

Stormwater management practices play a crucial role in influencing water supply primarily by helping to reduce pollution and manage runoff. Effective stormwater management helps to capture and treat rainwater before it enters natural water bodies or the groundwater supply. By controlling and treating stormwater, these practices minimize the quantity of pollutants — such as heavy metals, sediments, nutrients, and pathogens — that can contaminate drinking water sources.

Furthermore, these practices can also enhance the natural infiltration of water into the ground, replenishing aquifers and contributing to a more sustainable water supply. Implementing techniques such as green roofs, permeable pavements, and rain gardens can aid in reducing the speed and volume of runoff, thereby promoting better quality water when it eventually reaches surface and groundwater sources.

Other options do not capture the primary benefits of stormwater management in relation to water supply as effectively. While it is true that stormwater systems can influence surface water levels, this does not directly enhance water supply or quality in a beneficial way. Furthermore, stating that stormwater management practices are not related to water quality overlooks a fundamental aspect of their purpose, which is to improve water quality through pollution reduction. Funding can be an important factor in the implementation of stormwater practices, but the link to water supply