ABSTRACT
Urbanization has substantial impacts on catchment hydrology, fundamentally altering both the hydraulic regime and quality of water resources. Indeed, many authors have identified the ‘urban stream syndrome’ in recognition of the degrading influence of urbanization on receiving waters (Booth and Jackson, 1997; Walsh et al., 2005; Meyer et al., 2005). Walsh et al. (2005) associate the urban stream syndrome with increased hydrological flashiness (faster storm response), consistently observed losses in sensitive aquatic species and degradation of water quality through increases in nutrients and contaminants and a loss of organic matter. Such changes in the physical, chemical and biotic conditions of urban streams impact the ecosystem functions upon which societies depend (Palmer et al., 2004; Meyer et al., 2005).
