What role does stormwater play in urban areas?

Stormwater plays a critical role in urban areas primarily due to the challenges posed by increased surface runoff from impervious surfaces such as roads, buildings, and pavement. The management of stormwater is essential for several reasons, including flood prevention and the protection of water quality.

When rainwater falls in urban settings, the hard surfaces cause rapid runoff that can overwhelm drainage systems, leading to localized flooding. This excess water can also carry pollutants such as oil, heavy metals, and sediments into nearby water bodies, degrading water quality. Therefore, stormwater is strategically collected and managed through systems like stormwater drains and retention basins to mitigate these problems.

Effective stormwater management aims to reduce the velocity of runoff, promote infiltration, and enhance the treatment of water before it enters natural waterways. This is crucial not only for protecting infrastructure and reducing the risk of flooding but also for maintaining the ecological health of local water bodies.

In contrast, the other options do not accurately reflect the role of stormwater. It is not treated exclusively as wastewater, nor is it mandated to be reclaimed for use in every situation. Additionally, while groundwater aquifers are important, stormwater management does not typically involve direct storage in aquifers without first being treated or managed to ensure water quality