ABSTRACT
Aquatic ecosystems are a vital part of the urban water cycle (and of urban areas more broadly), and, if healthy, provide a range of goods and services valued by humans (Meyer, 1997). For example, aquatic ecosystems (e.g. rivers, lakes, wetlands) provide potable water, food resources and recreational opportunities. Aquatic ecosystems also act to filter pollutants, decompose organic material and cycle nutrients. If functioning properly, aquatic ecosystems can mitigate the impacts of stormwater runoff and wastewater, including thermal disturbance, nutrient loading and sediment loading. However, these ecosystems have often been considered as receiving waters for discharging and diluting pollutants, ignoring the essential attributes of waterways necessary for providing ecosystem services.
