What is ‘drought stress’ related to water quality?

Drought stress is significantly related to water quality primarily through its impact on water levels and pollutant concentrations. During periods of drought, water bodies experience decreased inflows, leading to lower water levels. As the volume of water decreases, the concentration of pollutants found in that water increases because there is less water to dilute them. This can lead to various environmental and health issues as pollutants become more concentrated.

Additionally, reduced water levels can exacerbate conditions such as increased temperatures, which can further diminish dissolved oxygen levels and harm aquatic life. The interaction between reduced water volume and increased pollutant concentration illustrates the critical impact of drought stress on water quality, making it a significant concern for environmental management and water resource planning.