What is the infiltration potential of water entering a stream in an urban landscape?

In urban landscapes, the infiltration potential of water entering a stream is generally very low due to several factors. Urbanization often leads to an increase in impervious surfaces such as roads, parking lots, and buildings, which prevent water from soaking into the ground. These surfaces direct water runoff directly into drainage systems and streams rather than allowing it to infiltrate the soil.

In addition, urban areas tend to have altered soil structures, with many natural soils covered or disturbed by construction activities. This further diminishes the soil's ability to absorb water. As a result, when water enters a stream in such environments, it usually does not undergo significant infiltration, leading to the conclusion that there is effectively no infiltration potential for water entering streams in urban settings.