Clean Waters, Clean City: Sustainable Storm Water Management in Philadelphia

Abstract

The city of Philadelphia has historically been among the leaders in urban water management in the United States and abroad. Philadelphia was not only the first city to provide water as a public utility, but it has also pioneered new technologies—such as distributing its water supply through a centralized system, using hydropower for pumps, and installing disinfection systems— that fueled the revolution of water and sanitation services in the United States.2