What impact does climate change have on surface water quality?

The impact of climate change on surface water quality is multifaceted, and the correct choice highlights a crucial aspect of this issue. Climate change can lead to more extreme weather events, such as heavy rainfall, flooding, droughts, and heatwaves. These events significantly affect watershed integrity by altering the flow of surface waters and increasing the potential for pollution runoff.

For example, more intense rainfall can lead to increased erosion, resulting in sedimentation of water bodies, which can degrade water quality and harm aquatic ecosystems. Additionally, heavy storms can overwhelm wastewater treatment systems, leading to the release of untreated sewage or pollutants into surface waters. On the other hand, droughts can concentrate pollutants, resulting in higher contaminant levels in reduced water volumes.

In contrast to the other potential impacts listed, the idea that climate change decreases rainfall or improves overall water quality does not align with current scientific findings. The assertion that climate change has no significant impact overlooks the extensive research linking climate variability to changes in hydrology and water quality. Thus, the connection between climate extremes and watershed integrity is pivotal in understanding how climate change affects surface water quality.