Discover how pervious paving facilitates the recharging of aquifers, promoting sustainable water management. Ace your LEED Green Associate Exam with our expert insights.
Table of Contents
Question
Which of the following facilitates the recharging of aquifers?
A. Pervious paving
B. Asphalt road
C. Concrete parking lot
D. Impervious paving
Answer
A. Pervious paving
Explanation
Pervious paving, also known as permeable paving, is a sustainable paving solution that allows water to percolate through the surface and into the underlying soil. This process facilitates the recharging of aquifers, which are underground layers of water-bearing permeable rock or unconsolidated materials (such as gravel, sand, or silt) that can store and transmit water.
Here’s how pervious paving promotes aquifer recharge:
- Porous surface: Pervious paving materials, such as porous asphalt, pervious concrete, or permeable interlocking pavers, have a network of interconnected voids that allow water to pass through.
- Infiltration: As rainwater or stormwater flows over the pervious surface, it infiltrates through the pores and into the underlying aggregate base and subgrade soil.
- Filtration: The aggregate base acts as a filter, removing pollutants and sediments from the water as it percolates through.
- Recharge: The filtered water eventually reaches the water table, recharging the aquifer and replenishing groundwater supplies.
In contrast, impervious paving materials like conventional asphalt roads (B) and concrete parking lots (C) do not allow water to penetrate the surface. Instead, they cause water to run off, leading to increased stormwater runoff, potential flooding, and reduced aquifer recharge. Impervious paving (D) is a general term for any paving material that does not allow water to pass through, which includes asphalt and concrete.
By incorporating pervious paving in sustainable site design, projects can mitigate the negative impacts of impervious surfaces, promote groundwater recharge, and contribute to the overall health of aquifers and the surrounding ecosystem.
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.