Dover Court is going with the flow these days.
As city workers spray a thousand gallons of water on Thursday, it drains right through the pavement.
This is permeable pavement that lets stormwater escape naturally.
"The water goes down through the pavers into a rock chamber beneath," said Brian Stineman, natural resources manager for Davenport. "All the pollutants, contaminants and sediment is removed from the water."
Crews spent about a month on the $320,000 project this summer.
47-pound interlocking blocks allow space for water to drain. It's another way to protect creeks, streams and neighborhoods.
"It's kind of like putting all the pieces of a puzzle together," said Lee DeJulius, who supervised construction with N. J. Miller Inc. "But then you have all the hard work of cutting and placing all the edges."
Iowa allowed Davenport to use interest money to pay for the project. While it costs more than traditional paving, it lasts much longer and saves money down the road.
"I hope it does work," said Damaris Bolet, who lives on Dover Court. "You can see where the water will drain better."
This street could be the prototype for other Davenport projects. It's green technology to take the city into the future.
Other Iowa cities like Des Moines and Cedar Rapids are also testing out the method on local streets and parking lots.
Participants say it works best on flat streets. They'll study to see how it responds to snow removal.
"This is the new cutting edge way to do it," said Davenport Mayor Bill Gluba.
"It's made with local products, local labor and local manufacturing," added Jesse Borcher, manager for King's Material in Eldridge, which makes the blocks.
Not just a drop in the bucket, they're really making a splash with this permeable street in Davenport.