What is a key benefit of conducting a water quality assessment?

Conducting a water quality assessment primarily serves the purpose of determining the effectiveness of stormwater management practices. This assessment helps identify how well these practices are maintaining or improving the quality of water in a given area. By analyzing various indicators of water quality, such as pollutant levels and the health of aquatic ecosystems, professionals can gauge whether the implemented stormwater management strategies are adequately preventing pollutants from entering water bodies and thereby achieving their intended goals.

In addition to directly measuring the success of these practices, the process can highlight areas needing improvement or adjustment. If water quality does not meet the established criteria, it can guide further actions to enhance the current stormwater management systems and ensure they fulfill regulatory and environmental standards.

The other options do not align with the primary objectives of a water quality assessment. While ensuring compliance with building codes and evaluating vegetation needs are important, they do not directly relate to analyzing the effects of stormwater management on water quality itself. Similarly, reducing water costs for local residents is more of an economic concern and isn't typically a direct outcome of a water quality assessment.