Permeable vs. traditional pavement

Learn more about permeable payment and how you might qualify for cost-sharing by clicking on the links below:

Permeable Pavements

Permeable pavement refers to a wide variety of surfaces, including concretes, asphalts, and various types of grid and paver systems, that allow for rapid infiltration of water. Permeable pavement has a network of voids or spaces that allow water to pass through. 

​Installations typically include a belowground, load-bearing stone reservoir that can store runoff until it percolates and interflows through the subsurface.When combined with other engineered systems that promote tree growth, such as structural soil, suspended pavement, and stormwater tree pits, the volume of runoff infiltrating into the system can be increased significantly and tree growth maximized.

Typical applications include curbs, cutouts, sidewalks, driveways, plazas and parking areas, and low-traffic areas.

How permeable payment benefits stormwater management and trees:

  • Infiltration: Reduces impervious surface. Rainfall enters the ground directly, almost where it falls. May reduce or eliminate the requirement for land for stormwater ponds.

  • Reduces Runoff: Manages stormwater by reducing runoff.

  • Filtration: Some permeable pavements eventually build up a film of biomass that naturally reduces trace amounts of hydrocarbons, nitrogen, and other biodegradable pollutants.

  • Recycled: Many pavers and pavements are manufactured using recycled materials.

  • Helps Trees Grow: Increases the amount of oxygenated water directly entering the root zone, improving tree health.​

Victoria, Minnesota