Innovative Infrastructure for a Cleaner, Cooler, and Greener Community
Stormwater pollution is one of the leading causes of water quality issues in urban environments. In Orange County, efforts to control runoff and prevent pollution from reaching local waterways have taken a creative turn with the integration of permeable pavement and drain inserts—two powerful tools in modern urban design.
Understanding Public Right-of-Way Regulations
Public ROW refers to areas controlled by the city, including streets, sidewalks, and utility corridors. Any construction, repair, or installation work in these spaces requires approval from the local government and must follow specific guidelines.
What is Permeable Pavement?
Unlike traditional concrete or asphalt, permeable pavement allows rainwater to seep through the surface and into the ground below. These materials are engineered with gaps or porous layers that absorb and filter runoff, reducing both flooding and the transport of pollutants.
Think of permeable pavement as a hidden filtration system beneath your feet. It turns roads, parking lots, and sidewalks into active water management systems—trapping oil, debris, and toxins before they can reach storm drains and local waterways.
How Do Drain Inserts Work?
Drain inserts are basket-like structures placed inside storm drain catch basins. These screens or filter systems trap trash, sediment, and debris like cigarette butts and fast-food wrappers, allowing only water to pass through. By capturing waste at the source, drain inserts prevent 80% of marine debris—originating from land—from entering the ocean.
Routine maintenance is a necessary component. Municipal crews or qualified contractors remove accumulated waste from the inserts regularly, keeping the system effective and the environment protected.
Community Benefits
While the primary function of these features is pollution control, they also deliver added value to Orange County communities:
Lower Urban Temperatures
Surfaces like permeable pavement don’t retain as much heat, helping to cool urban areas and reduce the heat island effect—particularly important during SoCal’s intense summers.
Improved Aesthetic Appeal
Integrated with native landscaping or decorative finishes, permeable designs and nearby rain gardens can enhance the look and feel of neighborhoods and commercial spaces.
Water Conservation
By allowing water to percolate into the soil, these systems recharge groundwater supplies and reduce the need for artificial irrigation—critical in drought-prone California.
Erosion Control
Slowing down the movement of runoff helps keep soil and sediment in place, reducing erosion and protecting natural landscapes.
At SoCal Sewer & Water, we’re proud to support environmentally responsible construction practices. Whether installing permeable surfaces or maintaining drain inserts, we work to keep Orange County’s infrastructure clean, safe, and sustainable.