Certified Storm Water Operator Practice Exam

Impervious surfaces, such as roads, parking lots, and buildings, significantly alter the natural flow of water within the environment. These surfaces prevent water from being absorbed into the ground. Instead, rainfall and stormwater quickly run off into nearby water bodies, which can lead to several negative consequences for aquatic ecosystems.

As runoff increases, it often carries with it sediments, pollutants, nutrients, and other harmful substances that can degrade water quality. The result can lead to sedimentation in streams and rivers, contributing to habitat degradation for aquatic organisms. Additionally, increased nutrient levels from fertilizers and other runoff can cause eutrophication, which depletes oxygen in water bodies and further harms fish and other aquatic life. Therefore, recognizing the impact that impervious surfaces have on increasing runoff is crucial for understanding their effect on aquatic ecosystems.