Which of the following is a sign that stormwater runoff management practices may not be effective?

The presence of murky discharge water is a strong indicator that stormwater runoff management practices may not be effective. When stormwater is managed properly, the goal is to reduce pollutants and sediments before the water is discharged into receiving water bodies. Murky water typically suggests that sediment, organic matter, or pollutants are not being adequately filtered or treated. This could be due to several factors, such as clogged filters, inadequate retention time in management systems, or insufficient design of the stormwater controls, all of which compromise the efficiency of the treatment practices.

In contrast, clear water discharges typically signify that the stormwater management practices are functioning as intended. Accumulated debris may suggest a maintenance issue but does not directly indicate the effectiveness of the treatment process itself. Frequent maintenance needs can be a sign of an overburdened system or design flaws, yet they might still not reflect the immediate effectiveness of the treatment. Thus, murky discharge water directly points to a failure in adequately treating stormwater runoff, making it a clear signal that the management practices require attention or improvement.