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Water quality problems of urban areas

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Abstract

The increases in population and building density that occur as predominantly rural catchment areas become progressively urbanised can have a far-reaching effect on the hydrological cycle, and therefore on both the quantity and quality of water resources. The success of management strategies intended to alleviate the flooding problems and to prevent the degradation of water quality within and downstream of the urban area depends upon a thorough understanding of the sources of urban runoff pollution and the mechanisms by which pollutants are transported to watercourses. Particular care is necessary to ensure that any measures taken to mitigate the adverse effects of either flooding or pollution do not conflict with others in the same overall stormwater management plan.

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Hall, M.J., Ellis, J.B. Water quality problems of urban areas. GeoJournal 11, 265–275 (1985). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00186340

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