How PWD is preparing for more extreme weather: As extreme weather becomes more common, preparing for it becomes more important
September 18, 2026
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PWD Office of Watersheds
Like other cities around the world, Philadelphia is seeing changes in its weather and climate patterns. According to the Philadelphia Water Department’s Climate-Resilient Planning and Design Guidance engineers, a storm that once had a 1-in-100 chance of happening each year (a “100-year storm”) could have a 1-in-7 chance by the end of the century, assuming […]
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A summer of extremes: Understanding Philadelphia's summer storms and changing weather patterns
September 14, 2026
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PWD Office of Watersheds
This summer has given Philadelphians a glimpse of what scientists say the future may hold. In just a few weeks, Philadelphia faced severe storms, flooding, extreme heat, and smoke from Canadian wildfires. Each event was different, but together they show an important trend: extreme weather is becoming more common.
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Explore the Restoration Projects in Pennypack Park: Restoration projects are reshaping Pennypack Park to strengthen its natural environment.
December 31, 2025
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Jade Wright
Learn how stream restoration is helping Pennypack Park thrive — protecting our water systems, reducing erosion, and supporting wildlife. Residents may have seen construction crews working around Pennypack Park in the Northeast recently. The Philadelphia Water Department (PWD) has two new ecological restoration projects taking place in the park: Benton Brook Sewer Protection and Stream […]
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Oh, DAM! The Manayunk Canal is getting ready to reopen: The Flat Rock Dam project will wrap up this winter and bring back flowing water.
December 6, 2024
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Amy Hopf
On a brisk mid-September day, the Philadelphia Water Department (PWD) convened at the northern tip of Venice Island in Manayunk. Joined by the Younger Member Forum of the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) Philadelphia Section, PWD engineers and public engagement staff showed off an important part of the river’s history: the Flat Rock Dam […]
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A Delaware Dilemma: Diving into the science about how to save the sturgeon
February 7, 2024
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PWD Watershed Protection
Are stricter regulations in the Delaware River needed to save the sturgeon, or do anticipated costs to water customers in Philadelphia outweigh the benefits? PWD looks at the science behind a proposed EPA rulemaking.
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Mussel Hatchery Returns to Fairmount Water Works: Tiny aquatic animals are revitalizing our local rivers.
July 17, 2023
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Grace Maiorano
We’re commissioning some unlikely creatures to help keep our waterways clean – mussels. After being closed for more than two years following flood damage from Hurricane Ida, the Freshwater Mussel Hatchery at the Fairmount Water Works Interpretive Center is having a busy spring and summer. This season will mark the third full year PWD is […]
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New Schuylkill Grants Protect the Source: Projects help Philadelphia address issues throughout the Schuylkill.
October 3, 2022
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Brian Rademaekers
If Philadelphia’s three drinking water treatment plants are where we ultimately do the work that makes our drinking water healthy enough to consume, you might think of source water protection as “preventative medicine.”
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PFAS Levels Well Below EPA Guideline in Phila. Waters: A thorough study of PFAS in the city’s waterways is out.
October 30, 2020
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Watershed Protection Program Engineer Matthew Fritch
A nearly year-long Philadelphia Water Department study of PFAS in the city’s rivers and streams is out now.
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Love Morris Park @ Home with a New Water-Centered Storymap: In celebration of LYP, we explore history and green infrastructure.
May 15, 2020
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Daniel Schupsky
While our walking history/green infrastructure tour is on pause, our online storymap is a great way to participate safely during Love Your Park Week.
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PhillyH2O @ Home: Listen to Nature: Listen for the sound of spring in Philly parks.
May 14, 2020
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Dottie Baumgarten
Enjoy this sound clip of spring peepers in the Pennypack Watershed.
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