From the Archives: Mill Creek Sewer under construction 1883
This has become an iconic photograph, used in books, articles and other publications to illustrate both 19th-century sewer building and, more specifically, the process of building a combined sewer in a...
View ArticleLaying water pipe along Wissahickon Ave. at Venango St.October 18, 1904
PWD Catalogue No. 1986.002.1713This is a remarkable photograph for the wealth of information it depicts, of the work scene and the surrounding area, and of the manner of dress of the workmen. Hats were...
View ArticleLearn About the Hidden Streams Beneath Our Feet on Monday, March 16
If you're intersted in learning about our watershed or rivers (or history for that matter!), we highly recommend attending a talk by our very own historian, Adam Levine, this coming Monday, March 16 at...
View ArticleHappening Today: A Brand New Chapter for Philadelphia Water
Part one in a series of stories examining the foundations of our new brandWay back in the summer of 1987, the Philadelphia Water Department selected its first logo through a design contest for art and...
View ArticleBeer Geeks: How They're Improving Our Water
Philadelphia Water's BLS tasters prepare beakers of water for sampling. The warn water bath helps draw out delicate flavors that could otherwise go unnoticed. Credit: Bureau of Laboratory Services.I...
View ArticleThrowback Thursday: Cost of Water in 1898 vs. 2015
From the Philadelphia Water Archives: A bulletin board outside the archive room at 12th and Market.When you think about the truly priceless value of clean drinking water—something we all need to...
View ArticleThrowback Thursday: The Amazing 'Torresdale Conduit'
In this week's throwback post, we look at a photo from the Philadelphia Water archives taken on October 24, 1903. While a bit eerie—14 people died during the multiyear construction of the project...
View ArticleThrowback Thursday: Our Infrastructure Foundations
In this weeks throwback post, we see some large mains under construction August 4th, 1904— almost exactly 111 years ago. As the three large, cast iron mains are laid in a Northeast neighborhood, some...
View ArticleThrowback Thursday: Philadelphia Water Commissioners, Past and Present
From left to right: Kumar Kishinchand, Bernard Brunwasser, Carmen F. Guarino, Howard Neukrug and William Marrazzo.The photo above is a throwback to the 200th anniversary kickoff event for the Fairmount...
View ArticleCome Out and Hear the Cobbs Creek Story!
“The valley of Cobb’s Creek, north of Market Street” by H. Parker Rolfe. Source: City Parks Association 1905-06 Annual Report. Credit: Adam Levine and Phillyh2o.org We know that people who are aware of...
View ArticleInfrastructure Week Throwback: Graff Collection Shines Light on Early Water...
“Design for Cast Iron Wheel by F. Graff” from the Frederick Graff Collection at the Franklin Institute. Credit: Philadelphia Water, the Franklin Institute and The Athenaeum of Philadelphia. This post...
View ArticleTwo Philly Free Streets Activity Stops Inspire Wonder About Philly’s Waterways
The Philadelphia Water Dept. will host two activity stops on the Philly Free Streets route where you can explore fascinating parts of our water infrastructure and history.Have you heard about Philly...
View ArticleHistory, Nature and Green Stormwater Tools: Tour this Roxborough Gem with...
Then and Now: The historic photo at top, taken is Oct. 15, 1897, shows workers lining the Upper Roxborough Reservoir with brick. The lower Google Maps image shows the site today, outlined in yellow....
View ArticleResident Helps Spot—and Preserve—Some of Philly’s Oldest Water Infrastructure
In a city as old as Philadelphia, there’s a chance you’ll come across something historic pretty much any time you put a shovel into the ground. That was the case on Wednesday, May 3 as workers replaced...
View ArticleLove Your Park: Celebrate the Green Spaces Protecting Your Water
There's still time to register for a #LOVEYourPark service day! Sign up here: https://t.co/JM6flvIeoEpic.twitter.com/F9LYsW8quU— Philly Parks & Rec (@PhilaParkandRec) May 11, 2017From the very...
View ArticleSneak Peek: Cobbs Creek Oral History Project + Virtual Walking Tour
Starting in 2015, the Philadelphia Water Department's Public Engagement team began recording conversations with members of the Cobbs Creek community.The goal?To better understand how people feel about...
View ArticleExplore Philly’s Water + Parks Love Story During 'Love Your Park Week'
Adam Levine talks about the history of Upper Roxborough Reservoir and how it became an urban park after serving residents for nearly a century during a 2017 Love Your Park event. Credit: PWDIn...
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