Philadelphia’s water supply system boasts a history spanning over two centuries. Today, residents enjoy access to high-quality, clean water and reliable sewer services, a stark contrast to the devastating waterborne epidemics that plagued the city centuries ago. This remarkable achievement is thanks to a long line of innovative solutions in water management. Learn more on philadelphia.name.
Philadelphia was a pioneer among U.S. cities, establishing a centralized water supply, distribution, and wastewater system. It was also among the first to harness hydropower for pumping and implement filtration and chlorine disinfection. Even today, the city remains at the forefront of progressive initiatives in this vital sector. Dive deeper into the story in this article.
How Philadelphia’s Water Supply Evolved
The idea of modernizing the city’s water system first emerged after the devastating yellow fever epidemic in the late 18th century. This outbreak sparked mass panic and a desperate search for its cause. A hypothesis arose that the dangerous disease was spreading through the water. Consequently, in 1799, a special committee was formed to ensure Philadelphia had access to clean water.
From then on, the city’s water supply system began to develop and improve significantly:
- By 1820, the “Center Square” distribution system was transporting water to the city from the Schuylkill River.
- In the 1810s, the new Fairmount Water Works was constructed, and a park and recreational area were established around it to help maintain the purity of the river water.
- Between 1820 and 1850, the Fairmount Dam and a mill were built to harness hydropower for pumping water, with traditional water wheels eventually replaced by hydraulic turbines.
The Civil War spurred industrial growth and increased coal mining in the region. This propelled Philadelphia into becoming one of the first industrial giants in the U.S., with a reliable water supply system playing a crucial role. However, industrial use of the region’s rivers and improper waste disposal led to an environmental crisis and a new epidemic.
Treating Drinking Water and Wastewater
In the 1880s, typhoid fever spread rapidly through Philadelphia. Once again, contaminated water was the cause of widespread illness. Many proposals to solve this problem were submitted to the city authorities. Residents suggested installing special filtration systems, switching to water supply from more distant bodies of water, and even privatizing the water supply systems.
While all these initial proposals were rejected, authorities eventually agreed that water needed treatment. In 1907, filtration and chlorination of drinking water were officially mandated. As a result, the number of typhoid fever cases sharply decreased, and the epidemic was overcome. Unfortunately, industrial and domestic waste continued to be discharged into rivers and streams, further deteriorating water quality.
In 1914, a report on wastewater collection and treatment was formed. This report later evolved into a comprehensive plan for creating a city-wide sewer system and wastewater treatment facilities. Three large treatment plants were constructed between 1950 and 1966, significantly improving the city’s water management system.
Since the 1970s, federal and state regulations regarding water quality have become increasingly stringent. This period also saw significant technological advancements in water supply and treatment.
The Philadelphia Water Department
In the 21st century, the primary government agency responsible for water quality and its transport in the city is the Philadelphia Water Department (PWD). It manages a vast network of over 3,100 miles of water mains, 3,700 miles of sewers, six treatment plants, and 34 pumping stations. The total water supply area spans 130 square miles, serving approximately 1.58 million customers.
More than half of Philadelphia’s water needs are met by the Delaware River, with the remainder sourced from the Schuylkill River. The maximum daily water intake from both rivers is a staggering 680 million gallons. The total water storage capacity reaches 950 million gallons, and the treated water storage and distribution system can handle 546 million gallons per day.
A separate wastewater system operates with three treatment plants. These facilities control water pollution and have a total average capacity of 522 million gallons per day, with a maximum capacity exceeding 1 billion gallons. Additionally, 29 pumping stations, 3,700 miles of sewer collectors, and a private centralized facility for processing biosolids are in operation.
This advanced drainage and treatment system has significantly improved the water quality of the Delaware River. This, in turn, has spurred the development of the waterfront, which is now utilized for commercial, residential, and recreational purposes.
Since 2011, Philadelphia has implemented the “Green City, Clean Waters” program. This 25-year plan aims to reduce the volume of the combined sewer system. So, the modern water supply system isn’t just about the health and quality of life for city residents; it’s also about ecology and preserving our precious waterways.