Permeable pavement is a porous urban surface made of open-pore pavers, concrete, or asphalt with an underlying stone reservoir. Permeable paving collects surface runoff and precipitation, holding it in a reservoir while allowing it to gently seep into the ground below or out through a drain tile. Parking lots, low-traffic roads, sidewalks, and driveways are where permeable pavement is most frequently used today.

Permeable Pavement – What are the Top Benefits?

Permeable pavements aid in the restoration of a more natural hydrologic balance and minimize runoff volume. It captures and gradually releases precipitation into the ground rather than allowing it to flow into storm drains and out to receiving waterways as effluent. Due to its ability to stop high volume of rainwater from entering the storm water system, it also lowers peak discharge rates.

Permeable pavement can limit the concentration of some pollutants (plants that grow in-between some types of pavers can trap and store pollutants).

Permeable paving can reduce the stress and impact on the stream or lake ecosystem by slowing the process and lowering the temperature of urban runoff.

There is no ice formation on the pavement since water and precipitation penetrate through it. The pavement can stay warm even in subfreezing conditions, making it a safe surface for walking and driving.

Permeable paving can be built from recycled materials, which eases the burden on the environment caused by the production of resources needed to construct driveways and pavements. Green pavement is now possible, because of new processes that enable manufacturers to utilize leftovers like slag cement from iron producers. This also contributes to saving landfill space.

Why is Permeable Pavement Needed?

Pollutants like heavy metals, hydrocarbons, oil, rubber, fertilizers, pesticides, and detergents accumulate on pavers during extended dry spells. When it rains, these contaminants wind up being carried downstream into drainage systems and rivers – where these harm the habitats of wildlife. The rate at which these contaminants are swept off during torrential downpours can be fairly quick, leading to flash flooding, eroding soil, and significant environmental and property damage. The amount of water and pollutants entering the water cycle is minimized when permeable paving is constructed.

In areas with very low traffic volumes and speeds, such as overflow parking lots, private driveways, alleys, and parking spaces, permeable paving is a good choice. It does not need any additional space and is a great choice for crowded metropolitan areas.