What is a key purpose of having storm water management controls in place?

The primary purpose of having storm water management controls in place is to prevent water pollution. These systems are designed to manage runoff from rain and melting snow, which can carry various contaminants, such as sediment, nutrients, heavy metals, and pathogens, into local waterways. By implementing appropriate storm water management practices, such as retention ponds, swales, or biofiltration systems, pollutants can be filtered and treated before they enter natural bodies of water.

This is essential for protecting water quality, maintaining ecosystem health, and ensuring compliance with environmental regulations. Effective storm water management plays a critical role in safeguarding public health, as contaminated storm water can lead to various waterborne diseases and can adversely affect aquatic life.

While the other options might contribute to broader environmental goals or project aesthetics, they do not directly address the fundamental objective of managing storm water to protect water quality.