Permeable pavers are making it easier than ever to reduce the amount of rain that turns into stormwater and are gaining popularity as a sustainable alternative to concrete and asphalt, showing up in both residential and commercial areas. Durable and able to take on the weight of traffic, permeable pavers are chosen for driveways, walkways, patios and city spaces.
So how does it work? Permeable pavers are installed over a gradient bed of aggregate, with aggregate filling the joints between each paver. When it rains, instead of water running into the street and into storm drains as it does with concrete and asphalt, rain water drains directly into the joints between the pavers and makes its way into the soil. This reduces the amount of run-off, manages storm water and lowers the risk of flooding. The aggregate within the joints of the pavers additionally act as a percolator, filtering out pollutants before they reach the gradient bed of aggregate and the soil below. With over 3 million gallons of “untreated sewage” dumped into the Puget Sound just this weekend, the importance of reducing the amount of pollutants that reach our waste management systems is far too clear.
Permeable interlocking concrete pavement (PICP) is a great choice when looking to go green. The options available through our favorite paver supplier can be combined in many ways and allow an array of options that fit the style of your home. In some areas you may even qualify for rebates when you choose to add permeable pavers to your home.