How impervious surfaces affect groundwater flooding and stream channel erosion?

In addition to changing the quality of the water running into our waterbodies , impervious cover changes the quantity of runoff, eroding and changing the physical structure of existing streams. Because water runs more quickly off of an impervious area, flooding becomes both more common and more intense downstream.

Why are impervious surfaces bad for water quality?

Impervious surfaces are areas covered with roads, parking lots, roofs and other surfaces that do not allow water to soak into the ground. The result is a significant increase in the volume of stormwater that runs off the land, and significant impacts to local waterways.

What are examples of impervious surfaces?

An impervious surface is a hard surface that does not let water soak into the ground or greatly reduces the amount of water that soaks into the ground….Examples include:

  • roofs.
  • solid decks.
  • patios.
  • sidewalks.
  • driveways.
  • parking areas.
  • roads.
  • compacted gravel.

Why is impervious cover bad?

Why are impermeable surfaces bad for water? The aquifers in the ground are not being replenished as fast as they are being used since most of the water cannot penetrate through the surface. Any stream that has above 10% impervious surface has a drastically less aquatic life and can only support very tolerant insects.

What are 3 ways people can take action to reduce stormwater pollution?

You can do a lot to help minimize stormwater problems

  • Maintain your car or truck.
  • Wash your car at a commercial car wash rather than in the street or in your driveway.
  • Drive less.
  • Cut down on fertilizers, pesticides and herbicides.
  • Remove part or all of your lawn.
  • If you are on a septic system, maintain the system.

What are the negative effects of increased hardscapes and impervious surfaces?

Essentially, in built areas with extensive impervious surfaces, water can’t soak naturally into the earth — instead it rushes across the landscape, carrying pollutants and biological contaminants into our waterways, poisoning fish, wildlife, and us. Downspout on impervious pavement.

What are three examples of impervious surfaces?

Examples of impervious surfaces: Streets, roofs, parking lots, most patios, walkways, or anything else that does not allow water to flow through and into the ground (asphalt, concrete, plastics).

Is Gravel considered impervious?

Gravel driveways are considered impervious because they prevent infiltration, which results in stormwater flowing off these surfaces at a higher rate than pervious surfaces. This is typically due to compaction of the underlying soil and stones by vehicles.

What are five things you can do to avoid polluting the stormwater runoff?

You can do a lot to help minimize stormwater problems

  1. Maintain your car or truck.
  2. Wash your car at a commercial car wash rather than in the street or in your driveway.
  3. Drive less.
  4. Cut down on fertilizers, pesticides and herbicides.
  5. Remove part or all of your lawn.
  6. If you are on a septic system, maintain the system.

How do you reduce runoff?

What can you do to reduce the runoff from your property?

  1. Disconnect/Redirect Downspouts.
  2. Use a rain barrel to capture rain from your roof.
  3. Plant a rain garden.
  4. Plant trees.
  5. Reduce impervious surfaces; install permeable pavement.
  6. Plant a green roof.

What are negative effects of hardscape?

Asphalt and concrete are also impervious surfaces. In other words, they do not allow rainfall and water from urban usage to pass through to the groundwater table. Instead, water runs along these surfaces, picking up pollution and contaminants, including high amounts of inorganic nitrogen and phosphorus, along the way.

What qualifies as impervious surface?

Impervious surfaces are surfaces that allow little or no stormwater infiltration into the ground. Examples of impervious surfaces: Streets, roofs, parking lots, most patios, walkways, or anything else that does not allow water to flow through and into the ground (asphalt, concrete, plastics).