Impervious Surface

This page is available in multiple languages:
Impervious Surface (English)
不浸透面 (日本語)
Superficio impermeable (Español)
Surfaces imperméables (Français)

Impervious surfaces are mainly artificial structures--such as pavements (roads, sidewalks, driveways and parking lots) that are covered by impenetrable materials such as asphalt, concrete, brick, and stone--and rooftops. Soils compacted by urban development are also highly impervious. Impervious surfaces prevent water and rainfall from absorbing into the ground naturally, causing the water to flow off the ground in the form of urban runoff or stormwater.

Illustration of relationship between impervious surfaces and surface runoff

This article is part of a series on Clean Water which looks at various threats to the water quality of our oceans, and the negative impacts polluted waters can have on the environment and human health.

For information about laws, policies, programs and conditions impacting water quality in a specific state, please visit Surfrider's State of the Beach report to find the State Report for that state, and click on the "Water Quality" indicator link.