What are low-impact development (LID) practices primarily aimed at?

Low-impact development (LID) practices are fundamentally designed to manage stormwater in a way that closely resembles natural hydrology. This approach focuses on the natural processes of water absorption and filtration, which helps to reduce runoff and improve water quality. By mimicking natural systems, LID practices aim to slow down, filter, and absorb stormwater where it falls, thereby decreasing the quantity of water that flows into storm drains and waterways. This not only addresses stormwater management but also enhances groundwater recharge and minimizes erosion and pollution.

Incorporating features such as permeable pavements, green roofs, rain gardens, and vegetated swales, LID practices are integrated into the landscape to promote a more sustainable approach to development. This method helps to alleviate some of the environmental issues associated with traditional stormwater management practices which often lead to increased flooding and degradation of water quality.

While other answers may touch on beneficial aspects of LID, such as helping to enhance infrastructure or improve community aesthetics, the core focus of LID is the effective management of stormwater through mimicking the natural hydrological cycle. This distinction is central to understanding the primary goals and principles of low-impact development.