When nutrient-rich runoff, which is water containing high levels of nutrients like nitrogen and phosphorus from fertilizers, manure and sewage enters waterways, it causes excessive algae blooms. This leads to a process called eutrophication. Eutrophication blocks the light that seagrass and other underwater plants need to survive – and that's just ...

A watershed is an area where water flows downhill into streams, lakes, rivers or wetlands. In natural watersheds, such as forests, about 50% of rainwater infiltrates the soil. In urban watersheds, 30-70% of rainfall runs off into storm drains and natural water bodies. Layers of asphalt and concrete, known as impervious surfaces, reduce the land&rsq...

Although it is regulated at the federal level, stormwater management — and associated expenses — primarily fall under the responsibility of local governments. Many of these governments depend on federal and state funds to manage expenses. The National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) stormwater program regulates point-sour...

Water quality management is serious. Municipalities must manage the chemical, physical and biological characteristics of surface water and groundwater to facilitate a healthy community, which is no small task. Water quality is determined by various factors, including dissolved oxygen (essential for aquatic life), salinity, turbidity (water clarity)...