How can effective water management contribute to surface water quality?

Effective water management significantly contributes to surface water quality by promoting practices that help maintain a healthy ecosystem. When water management strategies prioritize ecological balance, they often include measures that protect and restore natural habitats, manage runoff, and reduce pollution. For instance, implementing sustainable land-use practices, preserving wetlands, and establishing buffer zones can prevent erosion and filter contaminants before they reach water bodies.

Healthy ecosystems, such as wetlands and riparian zones, enhance water quality through natural filtration processes, providing wildlife habitats and promoting biodiversity. These environments help absorb excess nutrients and pollutants, ultimately supporting cleaner and healthier surface water. Therefore, prioritizing ecosystem health directly correlates to improved water quality, as it sustains the natural processes that contribute to the overall quality of surface water resources.