Why is future land use planning important for water supply?

Future land use planning is crucial for water supply because it allows communities to anticipate and manage potential development that could impact water resources. By forecasting where growth and development are likely to occur, planners can identify areas that may place increased demand on existing water supplies or that could threaten the quality of those supplies through pollution or overuse.

This proactive approach helps ensure that water resources are protected and adequately managed to meet the needs of future populations. It also allows for the strategic placement of infrastructure, such as water treatment and distribution systems, to align with projected growth patterns, ultimately safeguarding public health and promoting sustainable resource usage.

While other options touch on important aspects of land use planning, such as property value enhancement or efficient distribution, they do not emphasize the direct connection to anticipating development impacts on water supply as the primary focus of planning.