Stormwater Pioneers

The Stormwater Pioneers program recognizes the best in stormwater management on private property.

Stanley's True Value Hardware has a large storefront with light reddish stone on the bottom and beige stucco on the upper portion of the facade, and columns of red brick framing the entrance, a red and white awning in front of the Garden Center, and signs with white lettering on a bright red background above the entrance and in the rain garden, which is visible in the foreground. A car in the parking lot is partially obscured by plants in the rain garden.

The selected projects demonstrate innovation, excellence, the ability to overcome technical challenges and a true dedication by the property owners, developers and designers to improving the environment and reducing stormwater runoff.

More and more Philadelphia businesses are using green infrastructure to manage stormwater runoff on their properties. Whether required by PWD regulations or encouraged through incentives, private property owners recognize the important role they play in reducing pollution in our streams when it rains. They are also setting a higher bar with excellent, cost-effective designs.

2022-2023 Stormwater Pioneers

This year, PWD is honoring three faith-based institutions who’ve adopted stormwater management systems on their sites: Overbrook Presbyterian Church in West Philadelphia, Holmesburg Baptist Church in Northeast Philadelphia, and Congregation Rodeph Shalom Synagogue, located in the city’s Spring Garden section.

Representing different religious affiliations and neighborhoods across the city, the 2022-2023 winners each adopted stormwater management systems at their houses of worship. These sites prioritize the responsible stewardship of natural resources, improving our region’s environment by reducing combined sewer overflows entering our creeks and rivers.

Houses of worship frequently occupy large lots, which often leads to higher stormwater charges on their water bills. Saving money on operating costs is often a priority for these organizations, which operate as nonprofits. These projects make them eligible for Stormwater Credits, helping them be good stewards of their financial resources as well.