Many home owners use herbicides, insecticides and fertilizers at application rates higher than those used by farmers. Releases from large sewage lagoons and runoff from extensive lawn areas in subdivisions magnify the problems. Future residential, commercial and industrial developments pose even greater threats to water quality. Poor construction practices increase erosion and stream siltation. Destruction of forest and therefore loss of shade areas along stream banks increases water temperature and adversely affects aquatic life.
More cars mean more oil washing off roads, parking lots and driveways into streams.
New residents or employees mean increased loading of effluent into treatment systems and elevated potential for releases into streams. New homes and businesses mean more landscaping, increased use of fertilisers and application of herbicides and pesticides that may contaminate streams. New industrial sites create the potential for contamination of surface and groundwater with leaks or spills of hazardous materials. Commercial and industrial development could contribute to increased water pollution if strict controls are not mandated. If not planned properly, extensive residential development could also disrupt natural drainage patterns increase storm water runoff from non porous surfaces and contaminate streams with sediments, ice removal chemicals, car oil, fertilizers, pesticides, and household hazardous wastes.