During the next heavy rainstorm, watch how water flows on your driveway. Does it cascade into the street carrying oil, fertilizer and debris into local streams, or do you see rainfall puddling, then gently disappearing into the ground?

If you can make the decision whether to pave over our planet or install permeable surfaces that allow water to soak in, consider the choice to help solve water pollution, rather than making it worse. Today’s column about becoming more sustainable presents details about the option of using high-tech permeable pavers and time-tested natural materials, such as wood chips and crushed stone.

Stormwater runoff pollutes rivers, lakes and coastal waters, whereas stormwater “soak in” naturally filters fresh water and replenishes groundwater aquifers. When you choose permeable surfaces instead of concrete or asphalt, you allow water to percolate through its natural cycle in a healthy way that sustains all life on Earth. Here are some steps to take to create permeable pathways:

Test your soil and choose your strategy – Before selecting your pathway material, you can conduct a simple percolation test to understand how quickly your soil absorbs water. Dig a hole 12 inches in diameter by 12 inches deep with straight sides. Fill the hole with water and let it sit overnight to allow the surrounding soil to become saturated. The next day, refill the hole with water and measure the water level every hour. Ideal soil drainage is approximately 2 inches per hour, although rates between 1 and 3 inches per hour are generally suitable for most plants. If water drains slower than 1 inch per hour, you’ll need enhanced drainage solutions.

Start small with natural materials – If you’re creating a new path or can excavate an existing concrete or asphalt walkway, begin with a small section using locally available materials to determine what works best for you. Wood chips are a good option and are often free because, in many places, arborists are looking for places to dispose of them. Wood chip paths can generally last two years before you’ll need to add more chips. Apply wood chips to a depth of 3 inches to suppress weeds naturally while allowing water infiltration.

Choose the right natural material – Pine straw (i.e. dried pine needles) has a natural waxy coating that helps retain moisture, creating a dense mat that is more difficult for weeds to penetrate compared to wood chips. Either pine straw or wood chips work well for high-traffic areas where repeated foot traffic will compress these materials into a dense mat. If these materials are not compressed and dry out, they may float during heavy rains. Crushed stone or gravel are other natural options that allow water through.

Create defined edges – Install simple edging using stones, bricks or metal strips to contain your pathway material and prevent spreading into garden beds. This helps maintain clean lines while ensuring your permeable surface functions effectively.

Install crushed-stone base layers – For longer-lasting pathways, create a foundation system that provides a stable base. Excavate at least 6 inches deep, then add at least 3 inches of crushed stone topped with 3 inches of your chosen surface material. Permeable, pervious and porous pavers collect and filter not only stormwater that falls on the actual pavement surface area but also can also treat runoff from nearby impervious areas, such as rooftops.

Address slope – Permeable paving is not appropriate on steep slopes where erosion can occur. For slopes greater than 5%, consider terracing or having your path wind along the contours of your terrain.

Integrate with existing landscape – Design your permeable pathways to connect with rain gardens, bioswales or other stormwater management features. Direct overflow from your pathway into planted areas rather than toward impervious surfaces or storm drains. You can also have permeable pavers installed professionally for surfaces that you want to last and need to meet stringent performance requirements, such as the ability to travel in a wheelchair over them. Consult a professional also if you are unsure about your own abilities to measure soil percolation rates and to install a pavement solution that will meet your needs.

Advocate for community-scale solutions – Work with local government to promote permeable paving requirements for new development and retrofit projects.

The ripple effect: From your driveway to the ocean – Every square foot of impervious surface you replace with permeable alternatives helps the natural water cycle make our planet a great place to live. When you choose permeable pathways, you’re not just solving a drainage problem — you’re protecting your watershed. Take a step to recharge the aquifers that supply fresh, clean water, reduce flood risks that threaten your community and protect the waterways that allow fish to spawn and children to play.

Peggy Siegle and Fred Horch are principals of Sustainable Practice. To receive expert action guides to help your household and organizations become superbly sustainable, visit SustainablePractice.Life and subscribe for free to One Step This Week, or go to suspra.com to purchase our book, “Sustainable Practices: Your Handbook for Effective Action.”