CITY OF PHILADELPHIA WATER DEPT.

The City of Philadelphia Water Department (PWD) is a municipal utility that provides water, wastewater, and stormwater services to the residents and businesses of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Established to ensure public health and environmental protection, the PWD is responsible for a comprehensive range of activities related to water resource management.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Water Supply and Treatment:

   • Collection: The PWD sources water from the Delaware and Schuylkill Rivers.
   • Treatment: The water is treated and purified at several water treatment plants to meet or exceed state and federal drinking water standards.
   • Distribution: Treated water is then distributed through a vast network of pipes and infrastructure to homes, businesses, and institutions across the city.

2. Wastewater Management:

   • Collection: The wastewater from homes and businesses is collected via an extensive sewer system.
   • Treatment: Collected wastewater is processed at wastewater treatment plants where it is treated to remove contaminants before being safely discharged back into the environment.

3. Stormwater Management:

   • Infrastructure: The PWD manages stormwater through a combination of traditional infrastructure and green stormwater management practices.
   • Green Initiatives: The department has implemented various green infrastructure projects like rain gardens, green roofs, and permeable pavements to manage stormwater runoff and reduce the burden on the sewer system.

Service Area:

The PWD serves the entire city of Philadelphia, which encompasses a population of approximately 1.5 million people, as well as some neighboring communities.

Strategic Initiatives:

• Green City, Clean Waters: This is a 25-year plan initiated to reduce stormwater pollution through green infrastructure and to comply with federal environmental regulations.
• Customer Service Improvement: The PWD continually works on improving customer service by providing accurate billing, efficient service delivery, and addressing public inquiries and concerns effectively.

Public Health and Safety:

The department plays a critical role in public health by ensuring the provision of clean drinking water and effective sanitation services. They work under the regulations set forth by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and other regulatory bodies to ensure compliance with safety standards.

Financials:

As a publicly owned utility, the PWD’s finances are managed through public funding and revenue generated from the services provided. The rates and budgets are subject to public oversight and approval processes.

Community Engagement:

The PWD actively engages with the community through educational programs, public meetings, and initiatives aimed at promoting water conservation and environmental stewardship.

Employment:

The department employs a diverse workforce that includes engineers, scientists, customer service representatives, and various other professionals necessary to maintain and improve Philadelphia’s water infrastructure.

The City of Philadelphia Water Department stands as a vital entity committed to sustaining the city’s health, supporting environmental initiatives, and ensuring the reliable provision of essential water services.