What does "water quality volume" (WQV) refer to in stormwater management?

"Water quality volume" (WQV) specifically refers to the volume of stormwater runoff that is required to be treated to improve water quality. This concept is crucial in stormwater management as it focuses on mitigating the impacts of runoff and preventing pollutants from entering water bodies. The WQV is determined based on the specific characteristics of the site, including land use and rainfall patterns, and represents the volume that should be managed through various treatment practices.

In stormwater management regulations, treating this volume helps ensure that a certain amount of stormwater is filtered, retained, or otherwise processed to reduce contaminants before it is discharged into receiving waters. This is particularly important for maintaining healthy aquatic ecosystems and meeting environmental protection goals.

While the other options may relate to water and stormwater in various contexts, they do not capture the specific regulatory and practical significance of the water quality volume in stormwater management systems.