A rolling collection of stories, tips, and news powered by the people of the Philadelphia Water Department.

@Philly H2O Blog

RECENT POSTS:

Mural, Pocket Park Being Celebrated Earth Day Weekend

April 20, 2018  |  Public Affairs

Last summer, we joined artist Paul Santoleri and Roxborough and residents for a community painting event that laid the foundation for Watershed, the mural that now overlooks the neighborhood’s newest community green space–Roxborough Pocket Park.

Just in time for Earth Day weekend, Santoleri’s work is finished and will be celebrated with a dedication ceremony at 1 p.m. this Saturday, April 21st.

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What’s with the Requested Rate Change?: 9 Ways to Learn More, Get Involved

April 3, 2018  |  Public Affairs

Customers, City Council, Mayor Kenney, and the Water Rate Board were recently informed that we need to raise rates. Increased rates will ensure we have the resources we need to better maintain one of the oldest water systems in the country.

As a part of the process—and to promote transparency—we are holding seven Public Input Hearings across the city.

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Join Us in Making Germantown’s Bringhurst Park Greener

March 26, 2018  |  Public Affairs

As part of ongoing efforts to involve residents in designing these planned green improvements, we are currently working with neighbors and others who use Bringhurst Park to revamp the space and add stormwater management features.

A meeting to discuss the project and collect feedback about possible improvements will be held at the park on Wednesday, April 4 at 5:30 p.m.

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Calling Changemakers: Follow this AmeriCorps VISTA’s Lead

March 23, 2018  |  Sam Boden

by Sam Boden, current VISTA | I jumped into my AmeriCorps VISTA service year with no idea what to expect.

Even though I was provided with a project description and ample training from the city and CNCS (Corporation for National and Community Service), I wondered how I would make an impact while working for a municipal water utility.

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We’re Wild About ‘Wonders of Water’: Come See PWD at the Flower Show!

March 9, 2018  |  Brian Rademaekers

Over here at the Philadelphia Water Department, there’s no shortage of people who proudly wear the “water geek” badge, and we’ve also got more than a few proponents of all things green and growing.

So, you can imagine our delight after learning that the theme of the 2018 Philadelphia Flower Show would be Wonders of Water.

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Wanted: West Phila. Students for Watershed Stewardship Training

March 5, 2018  |  Brian Rademaekers

In a recent talk hosted by the TTF Watershed Partnership, acclaimed author Richard Louv urged Philadelphia parents to make sure their kids are getting enough “Vitamin N”—as in nature.

Thanks to the new Philadelphia Watershed Stewardship program, West Philadelphia youth can get a healthy dose of nature along with valuable life and career skills. There’s even a stipend to sweeten the pot.

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Coming up: Join Us to Discuss Ideas for Growing Private Green Infrastructure

December 29, 2017  |  Brian Rademaekers

We recently issued an official “Request for Information,” or RFI, supporting the City’s efforts to grow the footprint of green stormwater infrastructure on private and non-City property.

To help answer any questions and provide more details about why we issued this RFI, we’re hosting an information session on January 10, 2018.

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New ‘Quiz,’ Website to Jumpstart Your Discounted 2018 Green Home Upgrade

December 11, 2017  |  Brian Rademaekers

Rain Check—our program best known for providing City residents with free rain barrels—is entering its sixth year with a new website designed to encourage more home landscaping projects that protect local waterways. By visiting the new Rain Check site, residents can now get a jumpstart on sustainable projects in the new year by discovering the best green upgrade for their property…

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Schuylkill River Trail Water Stations Closed for Winter

November 29, 2017  |  Brian Rademaekers

Following the 2017 Philadelphia Marathon, Philadelphia Water Department crews shut down and winterized all four Schuylkill River Trail water stations located between the Falls Bridge and Fairmount Water Works. The much-used features—offering fountains, bottle filling stations and ground-level bowls for dog walkers—are taken offline each winter to guard against freezing temperatures…

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