Low Impact Development (LID) refers to the systems and practices that use or mimic natural processes that result in the infiltration, evapotranspiration or use of stormwater to protect water quality and the aquatic habitat. As communities grow, so does the surface area of roads, roofs, foundations, and parking lots.
By working to create functional and appealing site drainage, and using storm water as a resource rather than a waste product, LID helps manage stormwater runoff, and is of particular import in our region.
Examples of managing urban runoff:
- Rain Barrels used to catch rainwater for irrigation use
- Rain Gardens and bio swales – collects storm water runoff from roofs, driveways and other impervious surfaces
- Green Roofs – absorb rainwater and reduce energy costs
- Permeable Pavement – roads, parking lots, driveways, sidewalks, to allow rainwater to seep through which prevents soil erosion. Commonly, these are black pavers, porous asphalt or concrete and grid systems