WATER FILTRATION VERSUS SURFACE RUNOFF

From eco-friendly driveways to eco-friendly patio pavers, permeability in any form of pavement allows for rainwater to flow naturally back into the soil and recharge water tables as opposed to flooding unnaturally into storm water holding areas, nearby ponds, rivers, lakes, and streams. The goal of permeable pavers from an environmentally-conscious, “eco-paving” perspective is to create a paving system which offers water filtration, as opposed to surface runoff. Permeable pavers perform this task quite well, as water is able to seep through the pavers, bedding layer, and aggregate to then rest in the soil. Permeable pavers are superior even to pervious concrete or porous asphalt, as permeable pavers do not have a “shelf life” like other permeable paving systems do.

THE REAL DANGERS OF SURFACE RUNOFF

When we build a house or commercial building, pave a road or lay a parking lot, we must always be mindful of the effect that such construction has on the local environment. When rainwater is not allowed to strike the ground and pass naturally into the soil it becomes surface runoff. It builds up and flows downhill, picking up pollutants, chemicals, and other unnatural substances as it goes along. Cities like Atlanta, Nashville, Austin, Orlando, Miami, Buffalo, and many others have experienced flooding and drainage system failure in the last decade due to overbuilding and the use of archaic stormwater systems. This is harsh on the city, harsh on the environment, and harsh on everyone’s wallets.

PROPER STORMWATER HANDLING

Enter in permeable pavers and pervious paving systems to provide eco-friendly solutions to our cities’ stormwater runoff problems. Traditional paving methods just force stormwater into overtaxed drainage systems, rushing potentially contaminated water into our lakes, streams, rivers, and ponds. Permeable pavers can handle any weight of vehicle or equipment, require little to no maintenance, are more aesthetic than concrete or asphalt, are fully stormwater permeable, and most importantly allow for the natural seepage of water through the paving system and into the ground where it belongs. No flooding, no runoff, and no dispersing of pollutants into surface waters.

PERMEABLE PAVERS, WATER FILTRATION, AND SURFACE RUNOFF

Surface runoff is the problem. Permeable pavers are the solution. Permeable pavers solve the problem of water runoff while also providing water filtration. The water filtration is the key to the eco-friendly aspects of permeable pavers. The aggregate stones and bedding layers underneath the pavers create a natural filtration process for water seeping downwards and into the soil. These rock layers that rest below the pavers act in a similar way as a septic field does, naturally cleansing the water of pollutants and chemicals as it passes through the stones. In this way, not only does runoff water have a place to go, but it also receives a cleansing and decontamination as it passes through the aggregate bedding layer.

PERMEABLE PAVERS VS. RAIN GARDENS

There are several, current techniques for tackling water loading and runoff in urban, heavily developed areas. When water is not allowed to seep naturally into the soil due to buildings, roads, sidewalks, parking lots, etc. it creates excessive water runoff. Rain gardens are one approach that offers an eco-friendly solution to stormwater management. However, rain gardens are not as effective as permeable pavers.

Rain gardens are essentially planted depressions or holes on a specified plot of land. Rain gardens are placed in key locations throughout commercial and residential properties alike, usually at lower topographical levels. While rain gardens have some benefits in their ease of installation and their aesthetic appeal, they require regular maintenance and they reach their water load limits rather quickly. While permeable pavers are more of an investment, they only need to be installed once, they have no need for maintenance, and they can handle any amount of stormwater runoff.

PERMEABLE PAVERS VS. RETENTION PONDS

Water retention ponds are another approach to managing stormwater runoff. Also called retention basins, water retention ponds are placed in key, topographical locations near high runoff areas. Water retention ponds are often found on sizable, commercial lots that have extensive concrete parking lots and very large buildings. The topography of the land is considered when planning a retention pond, as such ponds need to be placed at the lowest point possible to allow for proper watershed into the pond. 

Water retention ponds serve their purpose well, but they require constant maintenance (mowing around the pond, cleaning them out, draining them, addressing algae, insects, etc). Water retention ponds also take up a great deal of space on any commercial lot, space that could be better used for building. Permeable paving systems can be used in place of water retention ponds. Contractors can install permeable pavers instead to create a parking lot or drive, effectively accomplishing two goals with one application. The permeable pavement not only provides an aesthetic parking area, but it also accomplishes the water runoff management for that area. The building apron expands, and contractors can build a larger structure on a smaller lot of land.

PERMEABLE PAVERS, THE IDEAL SOLUTION FOR ECO-FRIENDLY PAVING

Permeable paving systems are ideal drainage solutions. Permeable pavers provide the best value and the best investment in any paving scenario. These customizable systems provide peace of mind in the positive effect they have on the environment. Installing permeable pavers in a driveway or parking lot creates no negative impact on the local ecosystem, and will actually benefit it instead. Furthermore, a permeable paving system will last more than a lifetime, providing constant value for years to come.