How does climate change affect stormwater management?

Climate change significantly impacts stormwater management by altering precipitation patterns, leading to increased frequency and intensity of storms. As temperatures rise, the atmosphere can hold more moisture, resulting in heavier rainfall events. This increase in precipitation can overwhelm existing stormwater systems, which may not be designed to handle such volumes of water.

Additionally, the frequency of intense storms can lead to more runoff, which carries pollutants into water bodies, complicating water quality management. Stormwater systems need to be adapted or redesigned to cope with these changing patterns, ensuring they can effectively manage the higher volumes and velocities of stormwater, thereby preventing flooding and reducing environmental impacts.

The other options do not accurately reflect the reality of climate change's impact on stormwater management. For instance, it does not decrease the need for stormwater management, nor is its effect limited to rural areas. Furthermore, climate change has significant implications for urban and suburban areas as well, making adaptation and innovation crucial for effective stormwater management across all landscapes.