Permeable Pavement
Source: Build It Green
Type: Fact Sheet
Overview | Download
A high percentage of land, especially in large cities, is covered by impermeable surfaces such as streets, parking lots, sidewalks, and driveways. When rain lands on these surfaces, it runs off into storm water sewers, picking up pollutants as it goes.
Permeable pavement allows water to percolate through the surface, and can promote the recharge of local aquifers, reduce run-off pollutants, and reduce or eliminate the need for curb gutters and storm sewers.
Download this fact sheet to learn about the three general categories of permeable pavement as well as the benefits of permeable pavement over conventional pavement such as:
- Recharges local aquifers
- Reduces flooding
- Reduces need for expensive stormwater infrastructure
- Large surface area allows pollutants to be broken down naturally
- Contributes indirectly to healthy riparian habitat
