Which of the following is a consequence of increased stormwater runoff?

Increased stormwater runoff typically results in higher pollutant loads entering waterways. This occurs because as rainwater or melting snow flows over impervious surfaces such as roads, parking lots, and urban areas, it picks up a variety of pollutants, including sediments, nutrients, heavy metals, oils, and chemical contaminants. When this polluted runoff enters streams, rivers, and lakes, it can significantly degrade water quality, leading to adverse effects on aquatic ecosystems and potentially harming drinking water sources.

In contrast, lower sediment levels in waterways would imply that there is less erosion and that the quality of the water may be more stable. Increased habitat for aquatic life suggests improvements to conditions in waterways, which is unlikely as runoff often disrupts existing habitats due to pollution and sedimentation. Reduced water table levels could occur due to excessive runoff preventing water from infiltrating into the ground, but the more direct and immediate consequence of increased runoff is the elevation of pollutants transported into aquatic systems.