WHEN UPLAND AREAS ARE DEGRADED, THE EFFECTS MOVE DOWNSTREAM, REDUCING WATER QUALITY AND WEAKENING NATURAL SYSTEMS.
As buildings, roads, and parking lots cover more surfaces, rainwater is less able to soak into the ground. Instead, it washes pollutants from these surfaces into downstream waters. The result is higher water volumes and poorer water quality, which over time weakens natural systems that clean water, support fish, reduce flooding, and protect wildlife.
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