ABSTRACT
Urban development amplifies the hydrologic changes associated with forest management and agriculture. (During the development process, trees are removed, excavation and grading compacts soils, and impervious surfaces [roads, roofs, driveways, etc.] are created.) Wherever the infiltration capacity of the soil is reduced or eliminated, overland flow increases and groundwater recharge is reduced. By design, the movement of stormflow is further accelerated with the construction of urban storm drain systems. The quantity, timing, and quality of streamflow can be substantially altered by urbanization.
