CSN Logo

Permeable Pavement

Allowing water to pass through
Permeable pavement systems allow water to pass through the surface into an underlying reservoir where it infiltrates or is slowly released.

The surface material can range from porous asphalt, porous concrete, or interlocking paver products, and they are popular in urban areas. The ability of permeable pavement to filter stormwater depends heavily on proper installation and maintenance. 

Photo Credit: Colmar Manor, BUBBAs 2023

5 Things to Know About Permeable Pavement:

  1. A very efficient use of space
  2. Not as dependent on the underlying soils as other practices, because they always include an underdrain
  3. Success primarily depends on proper installation and maintenance
  4. Requires periodic vacuum sweeping so they don’t become clogged
  5. Requires more structural engineering compared to other practices

Related Resources

View All Resources

Developed by the Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation, this design specification (Version 2.0, 2013) provides guidance on using permeable...

View more resources in our resource library.

Explore Resources

Newsletter Policy

By submitting this form, you are consenting to receive marketing emails from: Chesapeake Stormwater Network, 22 W. Padonia Rd., Suite C-348, Timonium, MD, 21093, US, https://chesapeakestormwater.net. You can revoke your consent to receive emails at any time by using the SafeUnsubscribe® link, found at the bottom of every email. Emails are serviced by Constant Contact.