This is Philadelphia’s 25-year plan to upgrade and strengthen essential drinking water infrastructure. From the river to your home, we’re keeping the system safe, reliable, and resilient for the future.

Water
Revitalization Plan




Philadelphia’s 25-year plan to strengthen and upgrade essential drinking water infrastructure.

a Philly Water Bar "bartender" pouring cold, refreshing Philly tap into a patron’s reusable water bottle

We’ll be working on projects across Philadelphia: from upgraded facilities to new water mains to improve our water system. These projects will benefit all neighborhoods.

Our investments today will ensure safe and reliable drinking water for all residents and future generations of Philadelphia.

PWD Core Services:
a donut-shaped diagram divided into three sections: Drinking Water (treatment and delivery), which is highlighted in this instance, Wastewater (collection and treatment), and Stormwater (storage and management). In the center is a circle that says "Protecting our Waters"
This plan focuses on drinking water, one of our three core services.

What will revitalization mean for Philadelphians?

It means improving water infrastructure: the pipes, treatment plants, facilities, and processes we rely on for safe water in every neighborhood. We need to do this work now to be ready for the changes facing our city, including more severe storms and an aging system.

Why are we doing this now?

The City is facing a challenge similar to other large cities across the country: the need to update its aging infrastructure.

The facilities you rely on for safe water are in need of major upgrades. Without these improvements, we’ll likely experience more unplanned repairs, which could be costly and disruptive for residents.

Timeline

The 25-year schedule allows PWD to continue providing safe and reliable drinking water to residents during project work.

The order of the projects is important to ensure consistent service to residents.

Projects

The Water Revitalization Plan identified approximately 400 projects focused on the improvement of existing facilities and the construction of several new facilities. We’ve identified 10 key projects that are part of the larger Water Revitalization Plan.

Key projects

More information will be posted here as it becomes available.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Water Revitalization Plan?

This is Philadelphia’s 25-year plan to upgrade and strengthen essential drinking water infrastructure. Learn more and read the highlights of the plan

What will revitalization mean for Philadelphians?

It means newer, stronger infrastructure. It means improving the pipes, treatment plants, and processes we rely on for safe water in every neighborhood. We need to do this work now to be ready for the challenges facing our changing city.

How long will the plan take to implement?

It is currently proposed as a 25-year plan to upgrade and strengthen essential drinking water infrastructure.

Why now?

The City is facing a challenge similar to other large cities across the country: the need to update its aging infrastructure.

How many projects are a part of the Water Revitalization Plan?

There are approximately 400 projects focused on improving existing facilities and the construction of several new facilities.

How much will it cost?

The planned estimate for the program, as of 2019, was $2.5 billion, spent over the plan’s estimated timeline of 25 years. This timeline has already begun.

Is PWD receiving federal and/or state funding for the plan?

To date, PWD has received over $320M in Federal Assistance (low interest loans) to substantially support and supplement the costs for completing the Water Revitalization Plan. Thanks to our efforts, Philadelphia is poised to take advantage of this vital opportunity to further invest in the health and sustainability of our city while minimizing costs for our customers.

Outreach & contact information

Stakeholder Advisory Group (SAG)

This group is composed of community members with a vested interest in projects related to the Water Revitalization Plan.

Responsibilities of the group include:

  • Regularly meeting with PWD to review project progress
  • Collecting and relaying community feedback to PWD
  • Sharing progress and information with the community

Disclosure statement: The information contained on this website is provided as of April 2024. This webpage is NOT intended to: (A) provide information to investors; (B) be the basis of an investment decision to purchase securities issued by the City of Philadelphia (the City) to fund capital projects or operations of the Philadelphia Water Department (PWD); or (C) reach investors in any way. The City maintains an investor information website at phila.gov/investor/index.html to provide information to investors pertaining to the financial condition of the City and PWD. The information provided herein is provided as of its date, and PWD has not undertaken any obligation to update the information beyond its date. Data and other information provided are not warranted as to completeness or accuracy and are subject to change without notice. The views, policies, programs, and practices that may be reflected herein also are subject to change without notice. This webpage is provided for your information and convenience only.

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