Editing Philadelphia Water Department (section)

== Operations ==

The Water Department draws water from the Delaware and Schuylkill Rivers through three major treatment facilities: Baxter, Belmont, and Queen Lane plants. Treatment processes include coagulation, sedimentation, filtration, and disinfection to produce water meeting or exceeding federal Safe Drinking Water Act standards. The department continuously monitors water quality throughout the distribution system to ensure safety and detect problems.<ref name="pwd"/>

Wastewater collection and treatment represents another major function. Three water pollution control plants—Southwest, Southeast, and Northeast—treat sewage before discharge to the Delaware River. The city's combined sewer system, which carries both stormwater and wastewater in the same pipes, presents particular challenges during heavy rain when combined sewer overflows can discharge partially treated water to waterways.<ref name="pwd"/>

The stormwater management program addresses runoff from the city's impervious surfaces—streets, sidewalks, rooftops—that contributes to flooding and water quality problems. The department's "Green City, Clean Waters" initiative promotes green infrastructure including rain gardens, pervious pavement, and tree trenches to capture stormwater before it enters the sewer system. This approach has gained national recognition as a model for sustainable stormwater management.<ref name="pwd"/>