Is Low-Density Development Best for Water Quality?

"Protecting Water Resources with Higher-Density Development," a recent EPA report, describes a study that examines the impacts of high- and low-density development on water resources. 

The EPA study models three scenarios of different densities (one-acre level, lot level, and watershed level) and at three different time series build-out examples. The study then examined stormwater runoff from different development densities to determine the comparative difference between scenarios. The findings indicate that low-density development may not always be the preferred strategy for protecting water resources. Higher densities may better protect water quality—especially at the lot and watershed levels. http://www.epa.gov/smartgrowth/water_density.htm