What can increased runoff lead to in terms of groundwater?

Increased runoff primarily affects groundwater dynamics by leading to a reduction in groundwater quality. When heavy rain or rapid snowmelt causes more water to flow over the land surface, this runoff can transport various contaminants, such as fertilizers, pesticides, sediments, and other pollutants, into surface water bodies and potentially towards recharge areas for groundwater.

The process of runoff can wash these substances into the groundwater system, degrading water quality. This is particularly significant in areas where the soil and vegetation do not adequately filter or retain these contaminants before they reach aquifers. As a result, the infiltration of polluted runoff can contribute to the deterioration of groundwater resources, making it crucial to manage land use and runoff to protect groundwater quality effectively.

While lower groundwater recharge rates could also be a concern due to increased surface water flow potentially reducing the amount of water that actually infiltrates the ground, the direct link between increased runoff and the introduction of contaminants clearly points to a degradation of groundwater quality.