Water-quality issues that relate to urban development

• Population Growth• Erosion and Sedimentation• Urban Runoff• Phosphorus• Sewage Overflows• Pesticides

The effects of urbanization on water quality:

Population growth

• If you live in a major city you see the effects of population growth every day.

• When more people move into an area a whole slew of support facilities must be built: housing developments, roads, shopping areas, and commercial and industrial facilities.

• Not only is land disturbed when development occurs, but the stress on the water resources of the region is increased to supply everyone with water.

SOLANI RIVER

The effects of urbanization on water quality:

Sediment and Suspended Sediment

• Much of the suspended sediment falls to the stream bed to become bottom sediment.

• The sediment may build up on the bottom or it may get picked up and suspended again by swift-moving water to move further downstream.

The effects of urbanization on water quality:Runoff

• Runoff combines with sewage and carry it directly to streams.

• In a developed watershed, much more water arrives into a stream much more quickly, resulting in an increased likelihood of more frequent and more severe contamination and flooding.

The effects of urbanization on water quality:

Phosphorus

• Towns are continuing to expand and increasing volume of wastewater and sewage require stiffer regulations on effluent and river quality.

• Phosphorus from non-point sources (such as applications of fertilizers and disposal of animal wastes) prove to degrade the water quality in streams and lakes near growing urban areas.

SOLID WASTE (CATTLE EXCRETA) DUMPED INTO A POND

Things we can do to lessen detrimental effects of urban stormwater run

off:• Keep litter, pet wastes, leaves, and debris out of street gutters and storm dr

ains

• Apply lawn and garden chemicals sparingly and according to directions.

• Dispose of used oil, antifreeze, paints, and other household chemicals properly, not in storm sewers or drains.

• Control soil erosion on your property by planting ground cover and stabilizing erosion-prone areas.

• Encourage local government officials to develop construction sewage disposal ordinances in your community.

• Have your septic system inspected and pumped, at a minimum, every 3-5 years so that it operates properly.

• Purchase household detergents and cleaners that are low in phosphorous to reduce the amount of nutrients discharged.