Minimize Runoff
1. Reduce Impervious Surface
Pervious surfaces allow water to infiltrate and soak into the ground. Impervious surfaces do just the opposite. When water hits this kind of surface, instead of soaking in, it runs off. This is what creates stormwater runoff. The larger the area of impervious surface, the greater the volume of stormwater runoff.
Ways to lessen your impervious footprint.
Keep paved driveways as small as possible.
Use pervious surfaces for driveways and overflow parking areas that aren’t needed on a regular basis. While gravel driveways may start off pervious, over time the compaction makes them nearly as impervious as regular asphalt.
Rooftops are impervious too — so keep your home a modest size and build up — not out — when possible.
Use stone pathways, or stepping stones across your lawn, instead of poured concrete or asphalt paths.
Try one of the newer pervious pavement technologies. There are previous paver systems, asphalt, and concrete — so you can get just about any look you want. Prices vary, and while all options are generally more expensive than traditional pavements, it is money well spent.