Which practice is commonly implemented to mitigate surface water contamination?

The implementation of best management practices (BMPs) is a widely recognized approach to mitigate surface water contamination. BMPs involve a variety of procedures, activities, and structures that are designed to protect water quality. These practices can include methods such as maintaining vegetation buffers near water bodies, managing stormwater runoff through infiltration systems, and employing pollution prevention measures at source points. By controlling the sources of pollution and enhancing the natural filtration capabilities of landscapes, BMPs effectively reduce the amount of contaminants that enter surface water bodies, thus maintaining or improving water quality.

In contrast, constructing more dams may have implications for water management and storage but does not directly address contamination issues. Reducing rainfall is not feasible and does not address the underlying causes of contamination. Increasing industrial output, while potentially boosting economic activity, could lead to greater pollution without adequate environmental safeguards in place. Therefore, BMPs are the most proactive and effective means to safeguard surface water against contamination.