Pervious Pavement: When it Rains, It Drains

GO GREENPervious Pavement:When it Rains, it DrainsWhat isPervious Pavement?Pervious pavement is analternative to traditional pavementthat allows rain water to seepthrough it rather than forcing wateroff the edges.How Does it Work?How is it Green?Using pervious concrete or pavers insteadof traditional pavement:• Reduces storm water runoff, flooding,and erosion• Increases water quality• Recharges ground water• Reduces costs of drainage systems• Pervious concrete consists ofpebbles of cement and aggregatematerials bound together with paste,resembling a Rice Krispie treat.• Interlocking pervious paverslook much like standard paversyet have notches along the edges.Rain water seeps through thegravel between the pavers and inthe notches into a drainage layerbeneath them.• By allowing rain water todrain through it, pervious pavementprevents the water from rushingacross the pavement and running offthe edges, which can cause flooding,erosion, and pollution.

Why Would I Want Pervious Pavement?Pervious pavement fulfills the same purpose of traditional pavement with additionalenvironmental and economic benefits. Also, rain water stored beneath pervious pavementcan be used for irrigation, if desired.How Do I Get Pervious Pavement?It is recommended that one consults a civil engineer to ensure proper residentialpervious pavement installation.Reading Rock4600 Devitt Dr.Cincinnati, OH 45246513.874.2345www.readingrock.comTwo Brothers Brick PavingDayton, OH (937) 310-2272Cincinnati, OH (513) 258-0685Columbus, OH (614) 429-1181Indianapolis, IN (317) 215-0819www.twobrothersbrickpaving.comSpurlino Materials513-422-66774000 Oxford State RoadMiddletown, Ohio 45044www.spurlino.netHow Much Does It Cost?Currently, the initial purchase of perviouspavement costs $2.00 to $3.00 per squarefoot, which is twice that of typical pavement.However, you will spend less overall as theneed for drainage pipes and retention systemsis reduced.How Do I Maintain It?Mulch and pavers that allowgrass to grow between themare less expensive alternativesthat allow rain water to seepthrough into the ground belowwhere a hard surface is notnecessary.It is important to maintain the permeability of pervious pavement for it to be effective. Besure to keep the pavement free of leaves, dirt, and debris that could fill up the drainageholes by sweeping the surface often. Vacuum about four times a year to remove debris.Replace stones between pavers as necessary.In winter, it is especially important that the holes are not blocked so that water drainsquickly and does not become trapped and freeze within the pavement layer itself. Snowactually melts and drains more quickly on pervious pavement than traditional asphalt.For More InformationTo learn more about pervious pavement, go towww.perviouspavement.org.Learn more about how to Go Green at www.cincinnatizoo.org.Click on Saving the Earth, and then on Go Green.3-2010