What is a potential benefit of incorporating vegetation into stormwater management practices?

Incorporating vegetation into stormwater management practices is beneficial because it plays a crucial role in decreasing runoff and improving water quality. Vegetation helps to absorb and slow down rainwater, allowing more water to infiltrate the soil instead of quickly flowing over surfaces. This infiltration reduces the volume of stormwater runoff, which can carry pollutants into waterways.

Additionally, plants can filter out pollutants from the water as it passes through the root zone. This natural filtration process improves the quality of the water before it reaches rivers, lakes, or oceans. Vegetated areas also help to stabilize the soil, reducing erosion, which further contributes to cleaner water by preventing sediments and associated contaminants from being washed into stormwater systems.

Overall, integrating vegetation into stormwater management not only leads to ecological benefits but also enhances the aesthetic value of the environment, making it a holistic approach to tackling stormwater issues.