Driveways

 

Rather than pouring concrete, porous paving is something to consider when you are putting in new paving.

Porous paving can have the same stability and function as non-porous paving, but it allows water to seep through into the ground.

Trees or other plants near the paving will benefit from this water.

Porous paving can be permeable concrete pavers, pebble or modular plastic and rubber pavers that look similar to conventional pavers.

Each of these allows water to filter through voids filled with sand, gravel or grass.

Sand or gravel is typically used below the paving to increase the infiltration rate of the water.

A gravel layer below porous or permeable pavers can function as a storage tank or it can drain to a separate tank. Stormwater drains can also be used below the paving to remove excess water when infiltration areas are full.

Other options for paving materials include using gravel for paths or driveways, and there are some forms of asphalt that allow water to seep through to the ground. Sections of porous paving can be used in conjunction with non-porous paving to allow infiltration in particular areas.