The Philadelphia Water Department strives for sustainable utility operations to ensure that we are capable of meeting the social, economic and environmental demands of a 21st Century water utility.
Fluvial Geomorphology Reports The purpose of the Fluvial Geomorphology (FGM) Stream Assessment Reports is to provide PWD, local watershed partnership groups, and other stakeholder parties with an analysis and summary of the Philadelphia watersheds’ existing physical conditions, inclusive of both stream networks and riparian corridors. Specifically, the goals of these assessments are to provide: The […]
Natural Stream Channel Design A holistic approach to stream restoration is necessary to ensure the successful return of lost stream functions to impaired streams. An impaired stream is one that cannot support diverse aquatic life and discharges significant sediment loads from its banks during storm flow events. The stream channel should be designed to accommodate […]
Historic development practices have altered natural stream patterns and degraded riparian ecosystems. We are now “working with nature” to implement stream restoration projects that bring back ecosystem functions and protect critical water and sewer infrastructure along the stream corridor.
Although research is still being conducted on the health effects of microplastics, PWD is proactively addressing the occurrence of these tiny particles in our waterways. About Microplastics Plastics are everywhere in our lives, found all over the world in everything from bottles and bags to makeup and clothing. Microplastics are tiny pieces of plastic, often […]
PFAS are a group of long-lasting, human-made chemicals found everywhere in the environment. PWD is committed to ensuring PFAS levels in drinking water are below all state and federal regulations. PFAS: What Are They? The information contained herein is dated as of January 2025 and is subject to change without notice. The Philadelphia Water Department […]
The Philadelphia Water Department does not recommend swimming in any river or creek in Philadelphia. See the Philadelphia Water Department July 2020 Position Statement on Maintaining Secondary Contact Recreational Activities here. Health and safety concerns exist when swimming or partaking in any recreational activity in rivers and creeks that involves immersion in water. Health risks include exposure […]
Philly RiverCast is a web-based hourly water quality forecast tool that predicts potential levels of bacteria in the non-tidal Schuylkill River between Flat Rock Dam in Manayunk and the Fairmount Dam. However, before recreating in any water body, you should be familiar with all the risks: Philly RiverCast can be accessed at www.phillyrivercast.org.
Cyanobacteria, once known as blue-green algae, can be found in lakes, rivers, and streams as part of the natural biota. They have similar characteristics as algae and can grow on the water’s surface as a visual bloom or below the water’s surface, attached to submerged materials such as water plants or on the bottom sediment. […]
This page contains information from the Philadelphia Water Department about natural gas drilling in the the Delaware River Basin. Included are: On March 1st, 2018, The Philadelphia Water Department (PWD) provided comments to the Delaware River Basin Commission (DRBC) on amendments to its Administrative Manual, Special Regulations Part 440 and supporting guidance regarding high volume […]
As a leader among water, wastewater and stormwater utilities, PWD employs innovative technologies, leading research and adaptive management strategies to ensure high levels of safety and service. It is our obligation to prepare for the impacts of climate change and we are committed to working with the Office of Sustainability, other city agencies, partners, stakeholders, […]