Agriculture Reference
In-Depth Information
collect much of the debris that could clog the culvert and cause water to
back up and potentially flood the street.
aquifer recharge
With the current emphasis on creating sustainable landscapes, the
application of and reliance on traditional storm water removal infra-
structure—such as municipal storm water systems—are being sub-
sumed by on-site water reuse and water conservation strategies. Grading
solutions that allow water to be absorbed in the soil to recharge the
underground aquifer or stored in a retention pond for later uses, such as
for onsite irrigation, are becoming increasingly common. Methods for
conserving surface water on-site include the creation of water gardens
and detention ponds, the creation of minimal slopes to allow surface
water to percolate into the soil, and use of porous paving surfaces such
as crushed rock, modular units, or even porous concrete and asphalt.
The photograph in Figure 14.22 provides an example of surfacing an
expansive level or slightly sloping area with compacted crushed rock, a
design approach with definite aesthetic appeal which at the same time
contributes to water recharge of the area's aquifer.
Figures 14.23-A and 14.23-B show examples of the
use of modular paving set in sand to provide a smooth
surface comfortable for walkers, bikers, or parents
pushing strollers. Rainwater can penetrate to the sub-
soil below the paving or be directed to the adjacent
landscape areas. Puddles, which commonly occur with
nonporous paving, are minimal where porous or mod-
ular paving surfaces are used. Figure 14.23-A shows a
walkway and street surfaced with modular concrete
pavers, and the surface in 14.23-B is a walkway sur-
faced with modular granite rock. Figure 14.23-C shows
a dense, highly urbanized shopping setting where the
designer selected a combination of concrete pavers and
compacted crushed rock for the paving surfaces. Water
can penetrate into the soil below both paving surfaces to
provide moisture for the trees.
Figure 14.22
Surfacing an expansive
area with compacted crushed rock, The
Hague, the Netherlands
