Lakeshore Impervious Surface Coverage Research Study

About the Program

Category: County Resiliency (Best in Category)

Year: 2013

Impervious surface data was calculated on 32 lakes over 500 acres in size using high-resolution aerial photography and property sketches from the Property Valuation and Classification Office. The amount of impervious surface was calculated for the entire riparian lot as well as within 250 feet and 500 feet of the shoreline to determine how much impervious surface was located close to the shoreline. Impervious surface coverage is hard surfaces on a lot such as rooftops, sidewalks, patios and driveways that don’t allow water to soak into the ground. This data for each lot on larger lakes will allow landowners and County staff to be able to quickly determine the need for stormwater plans or other performance standards that may apply depending on the amount of impervious coverage. Studies have shown that water quality begins to decline when impervious surface coverage reaches 12-15 percent. This local data will help guide land use decisions about keeping lakes and rivers clean within the county.