The 800 block of Percy Street was unveiled today as Philadelphia’s first porous pavement street.
In attendance for the unveiling were Mayor Michael Nutter, Deputy Mayor Rina Cutler, Councilman Frank DiCicco and Councilman Jim Kenney.
Porous pavement is made of permeable materials that absorb water like a sponge. It is supported by a layer of stone that allows water to seep into the soil gradually eliminating runoff which contributes to flash flooding. Philadelphia has a combined sewer system which means rain water and sanitary water (what comes from toilets and sinks) run into the same treatment plants. If the rain is heavy enough, treatment centers can’t keep up and the water—sewage and rain—finds its way into waterways.
The new pavement on Percy Street is part of the Philadelphia Water Department’s Green City, Clean Waters program which strives to improve our sewer system by reducing storm water. The porous surface cost $330,000 and included a new sew system, water, and gas lines. Another porous street will be poured this spring on Webster Street between 13th and Broad.
