Nearly 800 green sites
The program has created over 1,600 acres of green infrastructure across the city.
Markets
Priorities
Facilitating an ambitious, game-changing program
The Philadelphia Water Department sought an affordable, environmentally friendly way to both manage its stormwater and comply with Clean Water Act regulations: the Green City, Clean Waters program. Our team of water engineers, landscape architects, city planners, and biologists have been deeply invested in the program since it began. The combined power of these improvements has allowed Philadelphia to achieve a 2.7 billion gallon reduction in combined sewer overflows: a 21% improvement from the program’s inception.
The power to soak up 27,000 gallons of runoff
During a one-inch storm, the equivalent of a SEPTA city bus can be absorbed.
Cutting-edge climate science
Our experts found a remarkable method to align global climate models with Philly rain gauges to understand future impacts.
Risk-based, data-driven asset assessments
Replacement priorities are now guided by failure probabilities and economic impacts of a break.
The Philadelphia Water Department now has the resources to serve as a model for other cities to follow. As client service leader John Hammell says, “Our work with Philadelphia is a true partnership. We serve as an extension of their staff, work closely with their team and the community and bring our national and international experts to support their goals.” Senior water resources engineer Dwayne Myers adds, “we help Philadelphia navigate the legal and technical labyrinth to support their most important priorities.”
The effect on the city has been transformative. “In the last 10 years, Green City, Clean Waters has transformed Philadelphia’s parklands, whether it’s showing residents how native vegetation helps keep waterways clean or by cutting the ribbon on a stormwater infrastructure project,” city Commissioner of Parks & Recreation Kathryn Ott Lovell told the Philly H2O Blog. “These projects will amplify the beauty and functionality of our green spaces in the years to come.”
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