How big of a problem is Urban Runoff?
Urban runoff is the main reason that 40% of the lakes, rivers, and streams in the United States are unsuitable for fishing and swimming (United States Environmental Protection Agency). Furthermore, urban runoff is not only a threat to local plants and animals, it is a physical threat to humans (Surfrider Foundation). Please click Stormwater Runoff to learn more about urban runoff and its impact on our local watersheds. What are the current solutions? Currently, solutions vary across the United States in both approach and magnitude. One solution is the costly development and construction of water treatment plants such as the SMURRF plant in Santa Monica, CA and the Groundwater Replenishment System in Fountain Valley, CA. Certain solutions include an attempt to handle the water onsite at the source. One of the most common methods is through the installation of porous paving (aka pervious paving, permeable paving, porous concrete). Porous paving consists of a no-fines concrete mix that cr
