Permeable Pavers (Chesapeake Bay)
In the 1990′s, the amount of impervious surface – paved areas such as roads, driveways, and sidewalks – increased five times faster than the population in the Chesapeake Bay Watershed! By 2000, more than 860,000 acres of land (about 1,343 square miles) was covered in pavement, and it is expected that an additional 250,000 acres (390 square miles)will be impervious by 2010.When naturalvegetation and soilsare replaced with pavement,rain water runs off intostorm drains and ditchesthat discharge directly to local rivers and streams, rather than soaking into the ground.This can create high flows and floodingduring rain events, but can lead to low flows after thestormhas passed. In areas where rivers and streams depend on groundwater to replenish their water supplies, this can mean overall lower water levels.
Viewer Tip: Thinking about backyard renovations for spring? If you plan to replace a walkway or patio in your yard this year, consider using permeable pavement surfaces, such as wood decks, spaced bricks, or concrete lattice, instead of solid concrete or asphalt. These surfaces allow water to soak through to the ground, preventing rain water from running off your property, and helping to replenish groundwater supplies.
Season: Spring
(Sources: The Chesapeake Bay Program. “Chesapeake Bay Watershed Development Trends (Impervious Cover and Development Pressure).” http://www.chesapeakebay.net/status_impervioussurface.aspx?menuitem=19790; The Center for Watershed Protection, http://www.cwp.org/; US EPA Office of Wetlands, Oceans, and Watersheds)
