This question is asking how important it is that the flood management option does not cause adverse water quality impacts. Some options can increase pollution, nutrients and/or turbidity in the waterway. Others actually improve water quality.

Riparian vegetation management for example can be negative in the short term, as it can reduce the ability for the river or stream to regulate its flows, which causes scour and erosion, increases turbidity and reduces the ability for the floodplain to recharge which collectively decreases water quality. However over the long term the planting of suitable local plants can create a buffer for urban pollutants and stabilise the river or stream, improving water quality.