ABSTRACT
Reliable water bodies form the main nerve system of the hydrology of any community. Streams and rivers have naturally served as the relief of catchments, by quickly draining stormwater away from higher lands. Historically, perennial water bodies have encouraged the changing from nomadic way of life to sedentary type. Early settlers along streams found reliable water for domestic, irrigation, and animal watering purposes. Most of these settlements experienced the springing up of industrialisation bringing about more employment and increased population. This led to most urban communities around the world developing along perennial water bodies. As these communities urbanised water bodies became more important as sources for water supply and as a means of transportation for shipping of agricultural and industrial cargo. Presently most urban water bodies also serve as good sources of recreation: fishing, boating and tourism.
