How does urbanization affect water resources?

Urban areas create their own microclimates with notable differences in ambient air temperature, precipitation, and wind flows. Urban surface runoff is increased due to paved areas and asphalt or concrete roads. However, runoff (in urban areas) are pretty polluted due to traffic, industry, and other (such as dust and garbage) factors. Urban areas minimize precipitation entering the ground because they are primarily paved and asphalted. In many cases, urban areas have low (percentage) green open lots.

The amount of evaporation and evapotranspiration increases as a result of urban heat islands.

Urbanization can impact water resources through increased impervious surfaces, leading to higher runoff and reduced groundwater recharge. Pollution from urban activities can degrade water quality. Altered land use may disrupt natural hydrological cycles, affecting water availability and exacerbating flooding.