Stormwater runoff poses a significant environmental challenge, causing pollution and flooding in urban areas. Traditional impermeable surfaces, such as asphalt and concrete, contribute to this issue by preventing water from infiltrating the ground. However, an innovative solution has emerged in the form of permeable pavers. These pavers allow water to infiltrate the ground, and in the process help clean stormwater runoff from pollutants.

Understanding Stormwater Runoff:

Before delving into permeable pavers, it’s essential to grasp the issue of stormwater runoff. When rainwater falls on impermeable surfaces like roads and parking lots, it cannot be absorbed by the ground. Instead, it accumulates, picking up pollutants like oil, heavy metals, and debris along the way. This contaminated runoff eventually makes its way into rivers and streams, harming aquatic ecosystems and compromising water quality.

The Role of Permeable Pavers

Permeable pavers offer a sustainable alternative to traditional paving materials. These pavers are designed with gaps or spaces that allow water to pass through and infiltrate the ground beneath. Let’s explore how this innovative solution helps address stormwater runoff:

1. Improved Water Infiltration: Permeable pavers promote water infiltration by allowing rainwater to pass through the surface and into the underlying soil. This prevents the buildup of surface water, reducing the risk of flooding and erosion.
2. Filtration of Pollutants: As stormwater passes through the permeable surface, the pavers act as a natural filter. The void spaces between the pavers capture pollutants and sediments, preventing them from entering water bodies. This filtration process helps maintain water quality.
3. Groundwater Recharge: By facilitating water penetration into the soil, permeable pavers contribute to groundwater recharge. This is especially important in areas where groundwater levels may be depleted. Replenishing groundwater resources is crucial for sustaining ecosystems and supporting plant life.
4. Temperature Regulation: Unlike traditional surfaces that absorb and retain heat, permeable pavers can help regulate surface temperatures. This is particularly beneficial in urban areas where the “heat island” effect can lead to elevated temperatures. Cooler surfaces can enhance the overall urban microclimate.
5. Reduction of Runoff Volume: The use of permeable pavers can significantly reduce the volume of stormwater runoff. By allowing water to percolate into the ground, these pavers decrease the amount of water flowing over surfaces and, consequently, minimize the risk of downstream flooding.

Mechanisms of Stormwater Filtration

1. Infiltration: Permeable pavers facilitate infiltration by allowing water to pass through their porous surfaces. Unlike traditional impervious surfaces that cause rapid runoff, permeable pavers enable water to seep into the underlying soil. This process has several benefits:
   1. Groundwater Recharge: Infiltration aids in recharging groundwater aquifers. By allowing water to percolate through the soil, permeable pavers contribute to the replenishment of underground water reservoirs, ensuring a more sustainable water supply.
   2. Reduced Surface Runoff: The ability of permeable pavers to absorb and store water within the soil minimizes surface runoff. This is crucial in urban areas where excessive runoff can lead to flooding, erosion, and the transportation of pollutants into water bodies.
2. Filtration: Permeable pavers act as a natural filter for stormwater runoff, trapping and removing various pollutants. The porous structure of the pavers allows water to move through a filtration process, effectively reducing the concentration of contaminants. Key aspects of this filtration mechanism include:
   1. Pollutant Removal: The permeable surface captures pollutants such as oil, heavy metals, sediment, and debris from stormwater runoff. This prevents these pollutants from entering local waterways and causing environmental harm.
   2. Retention and Treatment: As water infiltrates through the permeable pavers, the materials in the pavers and the underlying soil act as a natural treatment system. Microbial activity and physical filtration within the soil help break down and trap pollutants, improving the quality of the water that eventually reaches groundwater or nearby bodies of water.
3. Bioretention: Permeable pavers support bioretention, a process that involves the retention and treatment of stormwater using natural elements. This is achieved through:
   1. Vegetation Growth: Permeable pavers create an environment conducive to vegetation growth. The gaps between pavers allow for the planting of grass or other low-maintenance plants. The root systems of these plants enhance soil stability and further aid in stormwater filtration.
   2. Biofiltration: Vegetation, along with the soil and permeable materials, contributes to biofiltration. Microorganisms within the soil break down organic pollutants, while the plants absorb nutrients, promoting a healthier and more balanced ecosystem.

Invisible Structures has played a crucial role in addressing the challenges associated with stormwater runoff. Their products, including various types of permeable pavers, have been instrumental in providing sustainable and effective solutions.

1. 1. Grasspave2 and Gravelpave2, which are both types of permeable pavers designed to be filled with grass or gravel, respectively. These systems allow rainwater to infiltrate the ground, reducing surface runoff and preventing the buildup of pollutants. By integrating these permeable surfaces into parking lots, driveways, and other paved areas, Invisible Structures contribute to the improvement of water quality and the reduction of flooding risks.
   2. Rainstore3 is a modular underground stormwater detention system provided by Invisible Structures. This system consists of stackable chambers that can be used for stormwater retention and detention. By storing excess rainwater temporarily, Rainstore3 helps mitigate the impact of heavy rainfall on drainage systems, reducing the risk of flooding. The stored water can then be gradually released or allowed to infiltrate into the soil. Rainstore3 also provides the option for green roof systems, which involve the installation of vegetation on building rooftops. Green roofs act as natural filters, absorbing and slowing down rainwater runoff. By reducing the volume and velocity of stormwater, these systems contribute to better stormwater management and promote energy efficiency in buildings.

Incorporating permeable pavers into urban planning and development is a sustainable solution to address the challenges posed by stormwater runoff. These innovative paving materials not only mitigate environmental impacts but also contribute to creating resilient and eco-friendly urban spaces. As we strive for more sustainable cities, permeable pavers emerge as a practical and effective tool in managing stormwater and promoting a healthier environment for all.

For more information about the country’s #1 Porous Paving Systems Since 1982, and a completely customizable Underground Stormwater Storage System, visit invisiblestructures.com