This article considers the use of low-impact development (LID) which integrates environmental concerns with land development, focusing on water and pollutant balances. Urbanisation makes drastic changes to the hydrological characteristics of land: materials used contribute higher pollutant loads and natural filtering is reduced. Pollutant sources in runoff water include fertilisers, animal wastes, cars, fuels, herbicides and pesticides. LID design attempts to replicate pre-development hydrologic conditions as closely as possible. Elements are present in site design and preparation, and in runoff management practices such as bioretention areas to collect and treat runoff water. Obstacles to using LID include access requirements for certain sizes of vehicle, safety concerns and public health issues, beside economic concerns. Using LID solves some environmental issues but raises others such as the ownership (for treatment purposes) of captured pollutants. Incorporating LID should not encourage urban sprawl.