Green City, Clean Waters is Philadelphia's 25-year plan to protect and enhance our watersheds by managing stormwater with innovative green infrastructure. The Philadelphia Water Department developed Green City, Clean Waters to provide a clear pathway to a sustainable future while strengthening the utility, broadening its mission, and complying with environmental laws and regulations.

Nationwide, water utilities are confronting a new set of complex environmental, demographic and financial challenges while also trying to meet customer expectations for a safe and affordable water supply; the collection and treatment of wastewater and stormwater; flood protection; and clean, attractive, fishable, swimmable rivers and streams. There are also new challenges posed by aging infrastructure and the impacts of climate change on human health and our ecosystems. Meeting these challenges requires either a significant new investment in "grey" infrastructure (underground storage tanks and pipes) or a paradigm shift in our approach to urban water resources.

Over the past decade, PWD has created, tested and implemented new strategies to promote the economic and social growth of the City and meet environmental, ecological and business missions. As the City agency charged with ensuring compliance with the Federal Clean Water Act, PWD developed Green City, Clean Waters to protect and enhance our waterways by using green infrastructure systems that assist or mimic natural processes.

CSO Long Term Control Plan Update Documents