How do permeable pavements contribute to stormwater management?

Permeable pavements play a significant role in stormwater management by allowing water to infiltrate through the surface of the pavement. This design facilitates the absorption of rainwater directly into the ground rather than directing it as runoff. As a result, permeable pavements help to reduce the volume of stormwater runoff, which can often cause flooding, erosion, and water quality issues due to the rapid concentration of water and pollutants into storm drains and natural waterways.

By allowing water to seep into the ground, permeable pavements also assist in recharging groundwater supplies and helping manage the hydrological cycle more sustainably. They can aid in filtering out pollutants as water passes through the layers of the pavement and underlying soils, promoting cleaner water entering the groundwater system.

This option recognizes the dual benefits of reducing surface runoff while contributing to natural filtration processes, which are critical aspects of effective stormwater management systems.