We've adopted an innovative approach to our work that incorporates sustainable, green systems with traditional infrastructure.

OOW Approach

PWD is committed to a balanced "land-water-infrastructure" approach to achieve its watershed management goals. Where appropriate, this method includes infrastructure-based approaches but focuses on implementation of a range of land-based stormwater management techniques and physical reconstruction of aquatic habitats where appropriate. The ultimate goal of PWD's approach is to regain the resources in and around streams that have been lost due to urbanization, both within the City of Philadelphia and in the surrounding counties, while achieving regulatory compliance objectives in a cost-effective manner.

Our vision is to unite the City of Philadelphia with its water environment, creating a green legacy for future generations while incorporating a balance between ecology, economics, and equity.

PWD’s Green City, Clean Waters program is the philosophy of a land-water-infrastructure approach made real. While maintaining and upgrading one of the nation's oldest traditional infrastructure systems is an underlying principle, we are pledging our investments into greening the City as a means to provide specific benefits to the residents of the City of Philadelphia while meeting ecological restoration goals.

We aim to integrate water resource management into the socioeconomic fabric of the City by creating amenities for the people who live and work here. PWD’s Green City, Clean Waters program integrates the management of Philadelphia’s watersheds into a larger context. It is designed to provide many benefits, so that every dollar spent provides a maximum return in benefits to the public and the environment.

Watch this video to find out more about Green City, Clean Waters:

Green Stormwater Infrastructure

Green Stormwater Infrastructure uses natural and engineered systems that assist or mimic natural processes to manage stormwater runoff, reduce localized flooding, reduce combined sewer overflows, recharge groundwater, and improve water quality while simultaneously enhancing aesthetics and our natural resources.

Traditional Infrastructure

Traditional Infrastructure uses engineering solutions such as pipes, tanks, and tunnels to collect and transport wastewater and stormwater to treatment plants.

Waterways Restoration

Waterways restoration involves the re-design of streams, enhancement and creation of wetlands, and improvements to riparian habitat for the purpose of re-creating a more natural and stable ecosystem.

Community Partnerships

Community Partnerships engage local stakeholders - residents, civic associations, and neighborhood groups - to educate them on the approaches to stormwater management, to coordinate the implementation of stormwater management practices and to solicit feedback.

Waterways Assessment

Waterways Assessment involves collecting and analyzing water and biological samples to assess river and creek health. The information collected during watershed assessments is used to guide watershed planning and restoration efforts.

Research and Planning

Planning initiatives to protect water quality and enhance watershed health begin with comprehensive studies of current scientific data and the projection of future influences.

Policy and Regulations

The Office of Watersheds strives to address existing regulatory requirements in an innovative and integrated manner that maximizes environmental benefits to all stakeholders.

Documents and Data

The manner in which we communicate our objectives, accomplishments, and research ranges from facilitation tools, such as public presentations and educational pamphlets, to more scientific-based assessment reports and data. Therefore, we've assembled a collection of representative documents, data, and links so both public and technical audiences can learn more about what we're doing.

Maps

View and download watershed maps or create your own with our interactive mapping tool.