Pourous Concrete, An Answer to Stormwater Runoff?

Posted on August 16, 2007 by Joyce Benson Add a Comment |
Tag(s): Green Building, Green Travel, The Great Green Outdoors

Stormwater that runs off impervious paved surfaces, like driveways, roads and parking lots, carries a lot of pollutants with it. Oil, fertilizers, pesticides, dirt, antifreeze and other contaminants end up polluting our rivers, streams, ponds and lakes.

One solution is porous concrete, that can be used as a substitute for some conventionally paved surfaces. It allows water to soak into it and filter through naturally into the ground.

It’s been successfully used for 20 years on the West Coast, the Midwest, and in Florida, to help ease flooding and polluting of water ways. Since the East Coast has densely populated areas with lots of paved surfaces, porous concrete could be a solution here too. Some are giving it a try. See Full Story.

It is a little more expensive, but savings are quickly realized by avoiding costs to build stormwater ponds or connecting to storm drains. Makes sense to me!