Which strategy can help to control and reduce runoff?

Directing runoff into dry ponds is a highly effective strategy for controlling and reducing runoff. Dry ponds, also known as retention basins or dry basins, are designed to temporarily store stormwater runoff, allowing it to percolate into the ground or evaporate slowly rather than flowing directly into storm drains or nearby water bodies. This method not only reduces the volume and speed of runoff but also helps to filter pollutants from the water, which is beneficial for water quality.

In contrast, increasing impermeable surfaces would lead to more runoff, as these surfaces prevent water from infiltrating into the soil. Installing more downspouts without proper management can also increase the volume of water directed toward areas that cannot handle it, potentially exacerbating runoff issues. Decreasing vegetation removes an essential element that helps absorb water; plants and their root systems are crucial in promoting infiltration and mitigating runoff, so this strategy is counterproductive for managing water flow.