How can stormwater management help in environmental protection?

Stormwater management plays a critical role in environmental protection primarily through the reduction of pollutant loads that enter water bodies. When rain falls, it can pick up various contaminants from surfaces such as roads, parking lots, and industrial sites. This runoff can carry harmful substances like heavy metals, oils, and nutrients into nearby rivers, lakes, and oceans, leading to water quality degradation and harming aquatic ecosystems.

Effective stormwater management practices, such as the use of retention basins, green roofs, permeable pavement, and vegetated swales, are designed to capture and treat this runoff before it reaches water bodies. These practices help filter pollutants, reduce erosion, and promote infiltration, ultimately ensuring that the water entering natural systems is cleaner and safer for both wildlife and human use. Thus, by reducing the number of pollutants entering water bodies, stormwater management contributes significantly to the protection and preservation of the environment.