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When it rains, the water can land on two kinds of surfaces pervious or impervious. Pervious surfaces allow water to soak into the ground. The other type, impervious, increases the amount of water in the drainage system and the amount of storm water pollution in our creeks and lakes.
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Impervious surfaces like streets, sidewalks, driveways, patios, and roofs can't let water soak into the ground. Rain is forced to runoff into the storm drainage system. We plan for that runoff by having storm drains and ditches, but pollution on those impervious surfaces lies in the path of storm water and becomes pollution for our creeks and streams.
There are alternatives to impervious surfaces. Some alternatives allow rain to soak through and others capture storm water to be used later. Both types of alternatives reduce runoff, and therefore reduce the amount of storm water pollution reaching our creeks and lakes.
Alternatives to Impervious Surfaces
- Rain barrels to catch rain from the downspout
- Sand or pebble sidewalks
- Rain gardens
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Make sure your sprinklers water the lawn, not concrete.
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Reducing runoff reduces the amount of storm water pollution reaching our creeks and lakes.
Impervious surfaces do not allow rain to soak into the ground, forcing it to runoff.
Impervious surfaces include: roofs, driveways, patios, sidewalks, streets, etc.
Where can I get a rain barrel?
Charlotte-Mecklenburg Storm Water Services partners with Mecklenburg Soil & Water Conservation District to hold rain barrel sales four times a year. Rain barrels prices range $60 to $110. Call 311 for more information.
Are pervious materials commonly available?
Most pervious materials can be purchased at local home and garden stores. Installation classes are also available there.
Will rain gardens cause pest problems?
Rain gardens can be beautiful additions to a yard by planting water-loving plants in a wet area. Rain gardens are not intended to be large or hold large amounts of water; therefore pests should not be a problem.
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