Pavers and the Indian River Lagoon: How Your Driveway Can Help

If you live in Brevard, the Indian River Lagoon is part of daily life. It's where people fish, paddle and watch the launches. It's also under real pressure, and a lot of that pressure starts in our own yards.

Why Runoff Matters Here

Brevard County's stormwater program lists stormwater runoff as the number one threat to Brevard waterways. The county notes that 72 miles of the 156 mile long lagoon sits in Brevard, and that more than 2,000 stormwater outfalls drain into it. Back in the 1990s, county analysis suggested the first inch of runoff carried about 90 percent of the pollutants into local waterways.

When rain hits a roof, driveway or patio and can't soak in, it runs off. Along the way it picks up fertilizer, grass clippings, oil and sediment. In 2016, Brevard voters approved a half cent sales tax for the Save Our Indian River Lagoon program to fight exactly this.

Where Pavers Fit In

A standard concrete slab sheds nearly all the rain that hits it. Pavers give you options:

• Permeable pavers have wider joints filled with clean stone. Rain drops through into a stone base and soaks into the ground.
• Standard pavers can be graded to send water into planting beds or lawn instead of the street.
• A smaller hard surface footprint, like ribbon driveways or paver walkways with turf borders, cuts runoff too.

Is Permeable Right for Your Lot?

Permeable pavers work best when the soil underneath can take water. A lot of Brevard is sandy, which helps. But a high water table, low lying lots near the lagoon, or water coming from a neighbor's yard can limit how well they work. That's why we look at the site, the soil and where water goes in a heavy storm before we recommend them.

Keep It Working

Permeable joints need to stay open. Sweep leaves and mulch off, keep landscape beds edged so soil doesn't wash onto the surface, and refill joint stone when it gets low. A clogged permeable driveway acts like a regular one.

Small Changes Add Up

Brevard County also runs a rain barrel program, and many island towns are pushing to cut runoff. Pair a smarter paver surface with a rain barrel and you've cut down a good share of what leaves your property in a storm.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are permeable pavers strong enough for a driveway?

Yes, when the paver, base and edges are built for cars. Tell your installer it's a driveway during the site visit.

Do permeable pavers stop flooding?

No surface can promise that. They cut runoff from your own lot. Regional flooding and high groundwater are bigger issues.

Do I need a permit for permeable pavers?

The same permit rules apply as other pavers in your city. See our Brevard permit guide.

Get a Real Price for Your Project

Alliance Pavers of Brevard is a Melbourne paver company. We walk your site, measure, and give you a written scope and price. See our permeable pavers page, browse real Brevard jobs, or send us your project details to get your price.