Final answer:
Surface water runoff is an environmental problem because it can cause soil erosion, transport pollutants into water bodies, and impact ecological cycles and water quality.
Step-by-step explanation:
Surface water runoff is considered an environmental problem for several reasons. It can lead to the erosion of soil and the transportation of pollutants into waterways. During heavy rainfall, runoff that occurs when the soil becomes saturated can carry along with it minerals and pollutants, depositing them into rivers, lakes, and oceans. This affects the chemical cycles and ecosystems, and also the quality of drinking water sources.
The environmental effects of runoff are significant because they contribute to water pollution, impacting both surface water and groundwater resources that are critical for drinking, agriculture, recreation, and commerce.