What is the term for the ability of a substance to allow water to pass through?

The term that describes the ability of a substance to allow water to pass through is permeability. This property is crucial in various fields, including civil engineering, environmental science, and hydrogeology, as it determines how water moves through soils, rocks, and other materials.

Permeability indicates not just how well a material can transmit water but also its relationship with the structure and composition of the material. For instance, sandy soils tend to have high permeability, allowing water to flow through them easily, whereas clay soils have low permeability, restricting water movement.

Understanding permeability is vital for residential building contractors, as it affects site drainage, foundation stability, and the overall design of construction projects. It helps in determining the appropriate materials and methods to manage water around a building to prevent issues such as flooding or water intrusion.