5.13 Methods to Reduce Urban Runoff

• Urban runoff picks up pollutants such as oil, pesticides, and chemicals
• Urban runoff occurs when rainwater flows over impermeable surfaces in urban environments.
• Match the source of urban runoff with its description:

  Vehicles ↔️ Leak oil and other fluids onto roads

  Household Waste ↔️ Improper disposal of chemicals

  Industry ↔️ Discharge pollutants from factories
• Urban runoff carries pollutants into rivers and lakes, leading to water contamination
• Urban runoff can cause ecological damage by harming aquatic plants and animals.
• Urban runoff picks up pollutants and carries them to waterways, causing significant water contamination
• Vehicles are a major source of urban runoff because they leak oil and other fluids
• Urban runoff can lead to health risks by introducing waterborne diseases.
• Green infrastructure techniques like bioswales and green roofs help reduce urban runoff
• Rainwater harvesting reduces demand on municipal water supplies and conserves water.
• Rainwater harvesting reduces strain on public water systems and lowers water bills
• Order the different methods of rainwater collection from least to most prone to contamination:

  1️⃣ Roof Collection

  2️⃣ Surface Collection

  3️⃣ Subsurface Collection
• What is one advantage of water harvesting in terms of water conservation?

  Reduces strain on systems
• Water harvesting results in lower water bills
• Water harvesting is environmentally friendly because it reduces runoff and erosion.
• Match the water harvesting method with its description:

  Roof Collection ↔️ Rainwater collected from rooftops

  Surface Collection ↔️ Water collected from pavements

  Subsurface Collection ↔️ Water collected through infiltration systems
• What is an advantage of roof collection in water harvesting?

  Simple and cost-effective
• Surface collection may result in water containing more pollutants.
• Why is subsurface collection less prone to contamination?

  Requires more advanced planning
• Steps for treating rainwater for potable use:

  1️⃣ Rainwater is collected

  2️⃣ Filtration removes impurities

  3️⃣ Disinfection ensures safety

  4️⃣ Water is stored for use
• What causes urban runoff in urban environments?

  Rainwater flows over surfaces
• Vehicles contaminate waterways with hydrocarbons and heavy metals
• Soil erosion from construction sites increases turbidity in waterways.
• What type of pollutants can household waste introduce into urban runoff?

  Toxins and pathogens
• Industrial activities add heavy metals and organic compounds to urban runoff
• Match the impact of urban runoff with its description:

  Ecological Damage ↔️ Harms aquatic plants and animals

  Health Risks ↔️ Leads to waterborne diseases

  Habitat Degradation ↔️ Destroys natural habitats
• Urban runoff can lead to health risks by contaminating drinking water sources.
• Why does urban runoff increase economic loss in cities?

  Increases cleanup costs
• Green infrastructure techniques reduce urban runoff by mimicking natural water cycle processes
• Match the green infrastructure technique with its description:

  Bioswales ↔️ Vegetated channels that filter pollutants

  Permeable Pavements ↔️ Surfaces allowing water to infiltrate

  Urban Forests ↔️ City tree canopies
• What is a key benefit of permeable pavements in urban areas?

  Replenish groundwater reserves
• Permeable pavements reduce water pollution by filtering pollutants.
• Rainwater harvesting reduces demand on municipal water supplies
• What is a disadvantage of roof collection in rainwater harvesting?

  Requires filtration
• Subsurface collection in rainwater harvesting is less prone to contamination than surface collection.
• Stormwater ponds are large basins designed to collect and slowly release stormwater
• What is the purpose of swales in stormwater management?

  Convey and filter stormwater
• Match the regulatory measure with its purpose:

  Building Codes ↔️ Minimize runoff from construction

  Zoning Regulations ↔️ Reduce impermeable surfaces

  Water Quality Standards ↔️ Establish pollutant limits
• Community education is essential for managing urban runoff by raising awareness about pollutant contributions.
• An educated community fosters a healthier environment by reducing runoff volume and pollution