Conserve, protect and improve the health of native species habitats, water quality and quantity, and air quality.
Impervious Area by Watershed
Current Value
16%
Definition
Story Behind the Curve
This indicator measures the amount of land area that is covered by impenetrable materials that impede rainwater infiltration and natural groundwater recharge. Impervious surfaces include roads, sidewalks, driveways, parking lots, and buildings. When rainwater is not being absorbed into the ground, it is running off impervious surfaces and collecting debris and pollutants that enter the waterways within the watershed. A watershed is an area of land where all water travels to the lowest point which is typically a river, stream, or lake.The Lake Champlain Watershed is divided into the Lamoille River Watershed, Winooski River Watershed, and the Lake Champlain Direct Watershed.
| Watershed | Impervious Area |
| Lamoille River | 3,145 acres or 3% |
| Winooski River | 7,779 acres or 6% of the Winooski River Watershed is impervious; and within Chittenden County 5.6% impervious |
| Lake Champlain Direct | 8,267 acres or 7% |
Why Is This Important?
Cumulative impacts from runoff within our watersheds degrade water quality,aquatic habitat, and alters stability of river corridors and lake shores.
Clear Impact Suite is an easy-to-use, web-based software platform that helps your staff collaborate with external stakeholders and community partners by utilizing the combination of data collection, performance reporting, and program planning.