Low Impact Development (LID) Illustration

The LID Approach to Storm Water Management

- Illustration by Doug Adamson

Bioswale.
Bioswales are storm water conveyance features that slowly convey water to storm sewer inlets or surface waters and filter the “first flush” of runoff.

Rain Garden.
Rain gardens are native, perennial gardens strategically located to capture runoff from impervious surfaces. Rain gardens increase aesthetic value, absorb water, reduce runoff, protect water quality, and prevent flooding.

Bioretention Cell.
Bioretention cells are shallow, landscaped depressions that can handle large volumes of water. They are well-suited for commercial, institutional, or residential settings. Bioretention cells have an engineered base to offset compacted soil conditions.

Level Spreader.
Level spreaders are flat areas constructed to slow runoff. They dissipate water velocity and prevent erosion by spreading water flows over a wide area, rather than releasing them from a point source of discharge, such as a pipe.

Native Landscaping.
Native plants have a tremendous root structure that builds soil quality and increases organic matter content to facilitate infiltration.

Pervious Paving.
Pervious paving surfaces may include permeable paver blocks, porous concrete, or porous asphalt. They provide the support of traditional parking surfaces, but they allow a significant amount of annual precipitation to be filtered.

< Back to Low Impact Development

Last Modified: 07/05/2007