How can changes in land use affect water quality?

Changes in land use significantly impact water quality, primarily through increased runoff and the introduction of pollutants into bodies of water. When natural landscapes, such as forests and wetlands, are converted to urban areas, agricultural land, or industrial sites, the natural filtration processes that help maintain water purity are disrupted.

With the removal of vegetation, there is less soil absorption, which means that rainwater is more likely to flow over land surfaces rather than being absorbed into the ground. This surface runoff can carry various pollutants, including fertilizers, pesticides, and oils, directly into streams, rivers, and lakes. As a result, the concentration of harmful substances increases in these water bodies, leading to a decline in water quality.

Thus, understanding land use changes is crucial for managing and protecting water resources effectively. Effective land management practices can mitigate these adverse effects by incorporating green spaces, implementing erosion control measures, and maintaining vegetation that can filter out contaminants before they reach water bodies.