Queen Lane Water Treatment Plant Replacement

Overview

This project replaces the existing Queen Lane Water Treatment Plant with a modern facility. Water treatment plants have many processes to prepare safe drinking water for the City.

The Queen Lane Water Treatment Plant was one of five drinking water filtration plants built in Philadelphia in the early 1900’s. The filters, made of sand, were the first forms of water treatment in Philadelphia. In 1914, chlorination was added as an additional treatment. By 1957, the sand filters were beyond repair, and the plant was due for upgrades. As a result, the plant was improved and expanded to treat more water.

Since 1957, the plant has undergone upgrades to maintain and update treatment processes, but the infrastructure and equipment are reaching the end of their useful life. This project will modernize the plant with updated systems and advanced treatment technologies.

Key goals include:

• Better drinking water quality
• Stronger supply reliability
• Continued regulatory compliance
• Safer working conditions for plant staff

Upgrading this plant helps us continue to meet Philadelphia’s water demands while also protecting public health. These changes will reduce costly maintenance to aging equipment.

Why are we doing this project?

The Queen Lane Water Treatment Plant has served Philadelphia for over 100 years, but now it needs to be modernized. Aging equipment and infrastructure are reaching the end of their useful life. This project will replace the entire facility, reducing costly maintenance expenses. This project supports our commitment to safe, high-quality water for all residents. Modernizing this facility is part of a larger effort to improve all three of the city’s water treatment plants.