Learn how installing concrete sidewalks and parking areas can increase the quantity of rainwater discharged from a site. Expert tips for the USGBC LEED Green Associate certification exam.
Table of Contents
Question
Installing which of the following will increase the quantity of the rainwater that is discharged from a site?
A. Vegetated roof
B. Porous pavers for parking lots
C. Concrete sidewalks and parking areas
D. Bioswales and ram gardens with native plants
Answer
C. Concrete sidewalks and parking areas
Explanation
Installing concrete sidewalks and parking areas will increase the quantity of the rainwater that is discharged from a site. Rainwater is the water that falls as precipitation on a site. Rainwater discharge is the amount of rainwater that leaves a site as surface runoff or subsurface flow.
Rainwater discharge can affect the quantity and quality of water resources downstream by causing erosion, flooding, sedimentation, pollution, and habitat loss. Concrete sidewalks and parking areas are examples of impervious surfaces that prevent rainwater from infiltrating into the soil and increase rainwater discharge by creating more runoff.
Installing concrete sidewalks and parking areas will increase the quantity of rainwater that is discharged from a site. This is because concrete is an impervious surface that does not allow water to penetrate into the ground. When rain falls on concrete, it quickly runs off, carrying pollutants and debris into storm drains and nearby water bodies.
In contrast, the other options listed would actually decrease rainwater discharge:
A. Vegetated roofs absorb and retain rainwater, reducing runoff.
B. Porous pavers allow water to percolate into the ground rather than running off.
D. Bioswales and rain gardens collect and filter stormwater, helping it to slowly soak into the soil.
So among the given options, only concrete sidewalks and parking areas would lead to an increased quantity of rainwater being discharged from the site. Minimizing impervious surfaces and instead using green infrastructure elements like those in A, B and D is an important strategy for sustainable stormwater management and is encouraged in LEED.
USGBC LEED Green Associate certification exam practice question and answer (Q&A) dump with detail explanation and reference available free, helpful to pass the USGBC LEED Green Associate exam and earn USGBC LEED Green Associate certification.