Infiltration

Synonyms: Absorb, Soak, Infiltrate, Recharge, Percolate, Absorbed, Percolation

Infiltration is the process of surface water being absorbed into the ground.  In areas with little impervious surface, most precipitation that lands on the ground infiltrates into the soil it falls upon.  There, it is absorbed by plants, is filtered, and recharges groundwater aquifers.  Infiltration is a process that several stormwater BMPs encourage because native plants and soils filter out pollutants and also because stormwater that is retained on site limits issues related to flooding of local streams.

Infiltration rates through soil depend on a number of factors, including: soil texture, plant root mass, site geology, and more.

For more information on encouraging infiltration on your property, check out the rain garden page on this website!