Announcements – Philadelphia Water Department

Philadelphia Water Rates Set for September 2021 Following Approval of Settlement by Independent Rate Board

June 2021 Announcements

Philadelphia Water Department customers will see changes in water, sewer, and stormwater rates reflected in monthly bills effective September 1, 2021. Following a more than six-month hearing process which included an extensive independent review, four online public hearings, a technical hearing, and substantial public comment opportunities, the Philadelphia Water, Sewer and Storm Water Rate Board […]

Rate Request to be Lowered Through Proposed Settlement

May 2021 Announcements

In January 2021, PWD filed its rate request with the Water Rate Board for $141 million, in additional revenues for Fiscal Years 2022 and 2023. As a result of their negotiation, the Public Advocate and PWD reached a proposed settlement in April 2021. If approved by the Rate Board, this change will not eliminate the need […]

Rate Change Hearings in March

March 2021 Announcements

Facing financial impacts from the pandemic and costs that were rising even before the crisis, we filed a formal request for a rate change last month. If approved, water bills for residential customers would increase by 11.6% in September 2021 and 5.3% the following September. For a typical resident using 3,740 gallons a month, the bill would […]

Shutoff Freeze: Residents Protected Until April 2022

March 2021 Announcements

The Philadelphia Water Department is again extending a freeze on shutoffs for residential customers, protecting those account holders from losing water services until April 2022. Since the start of the pandemic, more than 70,000 customers have benefitted from shutoff protection. Another 15,000 previously shut off customers had water restored at the start of the pandemic. […]

Extreme cold: Prepare for water emergencies, frozen pipes

February 2021 Announcements

Whenever below-freezing temperatures are forecast for more than 48 hours in a row, customers should protect their pipes from freezing and be prepared for potential water main breaks: If you see water in the street or believe there is a main break, call (215) 685-6300 right away. Follow @PhillyH2O on Twitter for more information.

Grants from State Help Philly Fund Big Pollution Control Projects

January 2021 Announcements

The Philadelphia Water Department is moving forward on a big-ticket, sustainable infrastructure project unlike any seen since federal funding helped the city expand wastewater treatment and meet new Clean Water Act standards in the 1980s. Construction of the new $100 million preliminary treatment building was green-lighted thanks to a low-interest loan awarded by the Pennsylvania […]

Protecting Customers During COVID Lockdown

October 2020 Announcements

Due to ongoing economic hardship created by the COVID-19 pandemic: We will not shut off customers unable to pay water bills until April 1st, 2021. Penalties and fees on delinquent accounts are waived until further notice. However, your past-due total will continue to grow with each missed payment. Don’t wait until you have a big debt […]

See Our Statement on the Dangers of Swimming in Philadelphia

July 2020 Announcements

Because of the health and safety concerns that come with swimming and any recreation that involves immersion in water, the Philadelphia Water Department does not recommend swimming in any river or creek in Philadelphia. In response to efforts to change the current recreation status of the Delaware River to allow for swimming within the city, […]

COVID-19 Impacts on PWD Capital Program

July 2020 Announcements

Due to the financial impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Philadelphia Water Department is postponing many capital projects for the foreseeable future. Read the full statement

COVID-19 Update: Drinking Water Is Safe, Won’t Be Shut Off

March 2020 Announcements, COVID-19, Water Quality

The Philadelphia Water Department is taking all necessary measures to ensure continued delivery of safe drinking water and wastewater treatment services as City officials respond to the COVID-19 emergency. We have suspended water shutoffs and are waiving fees. To avoid loss of water due to main replacement, we have also suspended new construction. Please see […]