Why is continuous monitoring important in stormwater management?

Continuous monitoring is crucial in stormwater management primarily to track the effectiveness of Best Management Practices (BMPs). This ongoing observation allows managers to assess how well BMPs are functioning in controlling stormwater runoff, reducing pollutants, and managing water quality. By gathering data over time, stormwater managers can evaluate the performance of different BMPs under varying conditions, such as different types of weather events or land use changes. This information is vital for adaptive management, enabling adjustments to practices to improve effectiveness and meet regulatory requirements.

Monitoring also helps identify trends and can provide early warnings of potential issues, allowing timely interventions to avert environmental problems. Additionally, the data collected can aid in compliance reporting and support planning for future projects and improvements in stormwater management strategies.