Currently, our communities are experiencing many adverse impacts on the natural water system as a result of urban development. As vegetation is replaced with buildings, concrete and asphalt, this concrete jungle serves as a means to very rapidly shed an increased volume of water, and with it pollutants, into those natural water systems. Our infrastructure which was once designed for a particular volume of rainwater is now over-taxed, as we increase water trapped on surface and redirect it to the storm sewers, rivers and streams. Designers and planners are now integrating storm sewer detention systems and Retention ponds as a means to help control, redirect and detain this water displacement.
SO HOW DOES THIS RELATE TO OUR PERSONAL LANDSCAPE?
Our choices to create hardscapes on our property, including asphalt, concrete and interlocking stone can contribute to this burden on our infrastructure and our natural streams and rivers. By implementing a new design approach to lockstone, permeable pavers offer an environmentally friendly alternative. Permeable pavers have been designed to permit water infiltration at a much faster rate. The aggregates below the interlocking surface act as a filter to the aforementioned pollutants that can be washed into our water system. The permeable pavers help to keep the rainwater on site.
This image is an example of the gaps provided between pavers to allow for water infiltration.
This is a commercial for one particular permeable paver product. It is a great example of installation and product use.
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