Water is one of the most valuable resources on earth. Not only is it essential for the maintenance of life itself but it is also used by man in nearly all daily activities. As the population has grown, so has the demand for water, and today, that need is so great that in many areas of the world the need has outpaced the supply. The construction and operation of airport facilities can contribute to the degradation of the quality and reduction of the quantity of groundwaters or surface waters. Water quality can be affected by the addition of soluble or insoluble organic or inorganic
materials into rivers, streams, and aquifers resulting in a water source
which is inadequate to support aquatic life and other uses such as fishing, swimming, and water supply needs. Changes in the cover, composition, and topography of the ground in the vicinity of airport sites can cause changes in the amount, peaking, routing, and filtration of runoff and the recharge area of aquifers. Construction-related activities may cause the introduction of materials and wastes into streams and water sources, increases in the volumes of sanitary wastes and water supply demand, and increases in storm water management systems.