What does effective stormwater management aim to prevent?

Effective stormwater management primarily focuses on preventing pollutant discharges into water bodies. Stormwater runoff can carry a wide range of contaminants—such as sediments, oils, heavy metals, nutrients, and pathogens—into local waterways. The objective of stormwater management practices is to minimize these contaminant loads, thereby protecting water quality and aquatic ecosystems.

By implementing best management practices (BMPs) like sediment controls, vegetative buffers, and infiltration techniques, stormwater can be managed effectively to reduce the volume and speed of runoff, which in turn decreases erosion and the transportation of pollutants. Therefore, the correct answer emphasizes the critical goal of stormwater management, which is the protection of water bodies from harmful discharges and the maintenance of clean water resources for both human and ecological health.