Learn about the causes of surface water degradation and how expansion of impervious surfaces contributes to this issue. Prepare for the LEED Green Associate Exam with our expert insights.
Table of Contents
Question
Which of the following is a cause of surface water degradation?
A. Rainwater harvesting
B. Expansion of pervious surfaces
C. Expansion of impervious surfaces
D. Expansion of outdoor filtration systems
Answer
C. Expansion of impervious surfaces
Explanation
One of the causes of surface water degradation is the expansion of impervious surfaces. Impervious surfaces are those that do not allow water to infiltrate into the soil, such as roads, parking lots, rooftops, and sidewalks.
Impervious surfaces increase the amount and speed of stormwater runoff, which can carry pollutants, sediments, nutrients, and pathogens into surface water bodies such as streams, rivers, lakes, and oceans. Impervious surfaces also reduce groundwater recharge, lower base flow in streams, increase flooding and erosion, alter stream morphology and habitat, and affect water temperature and dissolved oxygen levels. Therefore, impervious surfaces can have significant negative impacts on the quality and quantity of surface water resources.
The expansion of impervious surfaces, such as roads, parking lots, and buildings, is a significant cause of surface water degradation. Impervious surfaces prevent rainwater from naturally infiltrating into the ground, leading to increased surface runoff. This runoff can carry pollutants, such as oil, grease, chemicals, and sediment, directly into nearby water bodies, degrading their quality.
Impervious surfaces also disrupt the natural hydrological cycle by reducing groundwater recharge and increasing the volume and velocity of surface runoff. This alteration can lead to flooding, erosion, and damage to aquatic habitats.
In contrast, the other options do not contribute to surface water degradation:
A. Rainwater harvesting helps reduce surface runoff by collecting and storing rainwater for later use.
B. The expansion of pervious surfaces, such as permeable pavers or green roofs, allows water to infiltrate into the ground, reducing surface runoff and improving water quality.
D. Outdoor filtration systems help to treat and remove pollutants from surface runoff before it reaches water bodies, thus improving water quality.
By understanding the impacts of impervious surfaces on surface water quality, LEED projects can incorporate strategies to minimize these effects, such as using permeable paving, green roofs, and rainwater harvesting systems.
USGBC LEED Green Associate certification exam practice question and answer (Q&A) dump with detail explanation and reference available free, helpful to pass the USGBC LEED Green Associate exam and earn USGBC LEED Green Associate certification.