What is a fundamental principle of stormwater management?

Preventing pollution at the source is a fundamental principle of stormwater management because it emphasizes the importance of addressing contaminants before they enter the stormwater system. By focusing on source control, such as incorporating best management practices (BMPs), land use planning, and reducing the use of harmful substances, this principle aims to mitigate the introduction of pollutants into water bodies. This approach not only protects local waterways but also promotes sustainability by reducing the overall impact of urban runoff.

The other options, while related to stormwater management, do not encapsulate this fundamental principle. For example, flood control focuses primarily on managing water flow to prevent flooding rather than on pollution prevention. Maximizing urban runoff contradicts the goals of effective stormwater management, as it would imply allowing more water to carry pollutants into the environment. Minimizing infiltration can lead to negative consequences for groundwater recharge and the health of ecosystems, making it less favorable as a fundamental principle compared to pollution prevention.