This year marks the 10th year of Green City, Clean Waters—the City of Philadelphia’s 25-year plan to improve local waterway health using primarily green stormwater systems backed by investments in traditional infrastructure.
In recognition of this major milestone, we're hosting Green City, Clean Waters: A Decade in the Community on Thursday, October 21 from 4 to 7 p.m. outside of Crane Arts and along the 1400 block of North American Street.
You're invited to join us for this special event, which will also showcase the multi-agency American Street Improvement Project. Streetscape improvements including more than four dozen stormwater infrastructure tools were completed through the federally backed project in May 2021.
“It is truly spectacular what Philadelphia achieved within Green City, Clean Waters' first 10 years,” says Philadelphia Water Department Commissioner Randy E. Hayman, Esq. “We are making our precious waterways cleaner and bringing new, green life to our neighborhoods. There is still much work to do, but with the tremendous support we have witnessed from the people of this city, we know we can do it. We thank all who have helped us, and we look forward to what the next 15 years hold.”
Green Tours for the Big 1-0
Tours of the American Street green upgrades will be a great way to see what Green City, Clean Waters is all about.
The revamped streetscape spans 17 blocks and our new green features have the capacity to divert close to 90 million gallons of stormwater annually from the area’s combined sewer system. The green stormwater tools also play a role in street enhancements that improve pedestrian safety in the neighborhood.
The American Street stormwater infrastructure tools are among thousands of green systems added to city neighborhoods over the last decade.
Citywide, Green City, Clean Waters investments can reduce more than two billion gallons of stormwater from entering combined sewers during a year of typical rainfall. By reducing the volume of stormwater in combined sewers during storms, the City reduces overflows that impact the quality of local waterways.
It's About You
With our strong focus on building public support for this groundbreaking approach to improving the health of local waterways, Green City, Clean Waters engaged more than 400,000 Philadelphians in this clean water journey since launching in 2011.
A big part of this celebration is about highlighting you: the people and partners we've engaged in outreach.
We hope you'll join us for the activities, green stormwater infrastructure tours, an official ribbon-cutting for the American Street Improvement Project, light refreshments, and more.
Note: All City of Philadelphia COVID-19 guidance for in-person events will be adhered to. This event is rain or shine.
