What is the impact of urbanization on soil and water quality?

Urbanization significantly impacts soil and water quality, primarily due to the increase in impervious surfaces, such as roads, buildings, and parking lots. These surfaces prevent water from absorbing into the ground, leading to greater runoff during rainfall events. This runoff often carries pollutants like oils, heavy metals, and sediments into local water bodies, thereby degrading their quality.

In urban areas, the natural hydrological cycle is disrupted, as the quicker flow of water increases the risk of flooding and erosion. The concentration of contaminants in runoff can contribute to the deterioration of water quality in lakes, rivers, and streams, affecting aquatic life and drinking water sources.

The other options do not accurately reflect the true impact of urbanization. For instance, it does not lead to decreased runoff; rather, it exacerbates the issue. Furthermore, stormwater management becomes increasingly critical in urban environments to mitigate the adverse effects of stormwater runoff, contradicting the assertion that urbanization reduces the need for such management. Lastly, urbanization undeniably influences local water bodies through increased runoff and pollution, negating the idea that it has no effect.