North Carolina Surface Water Math Practice Exam - Study Guide & Practice Questions

The correct answer highlights how agricultural best management practices (BMPs) are specifically designed to reduce the negative impacts of farming on water quality. BMPs include strategies and practices aimed at minimizing soil erosion, managing nutrient application, and controlling sediment and chemical runoff. By implementing these practices, farmers can greatly decrease the amount of pollutants, such as fertilizers and pesticides, that wash into nearby streams, rivers, and lakes. This helps maintain cleaner water bodies, which is crucial for the health of aquatic ecosystems and for preserving the quality of drinking water.

The other choices do not accurately reflect the purpose of BMPs. BMPs do not aim to increase pesticide use or promote urban farming, nor do they enhance water temperature. In fact, effective BMPs often include measures to manage temperature, such as maintaining vegetative buffers along waterways, which can help keep water temperatures stable and suitable for aquatic life.