Subjects Water Supply

Pipes, distribution mains, transmission mains, filtration plants, pumping stations, and all other appurtenances, either above or underground, that relate to providing drinking water to homes and businesses. In tandem with sewer systems, properly-designed water supply systems are what make densely-populated urban areas possible.

Water supply survey: Sanitary inspection of tributaries north of Philadelphia, 1884

Map Lovers’ Monday: Water for City Hall

Use Water Wisely!

Laboratory Alkalinity test, ca. 1943

Water History: Making It Safe to Drink

Water History: Rebirth of the Rivers

Map Lover’s Monday: Looking for Cleaner Water

Sandy Run Watershed and the Holmesburg Water Works

Annual reports and other documents relating to Philadelphia’s water supply system, 1796-1941

Map Lover’s Monday: Fairmount Park, 1869

Photograph of Roberts Mill on Wingohocking Creek in Germantown, built in the late 17th century. (Photograph by J. C. Browne, 1871. Castner Collection/Free Library of Philadelphia)

Roberts Mill, Wingohocking Creek, 1871

A hand-pumped fire engine made in Philadelphia in 1792. Water was stored in the copper lined wooden boxes, and two men (one pumping on each handle) forced the water up through the pipe on top, into a hose. (It can be assumed that a bucket brigade was used to keep the boxes filled.)

Hand-pumped fire engine, 1792

Fire axes and fire buckets were standard fire-fighting equipment in the 18th century. The buckets carried water; the axes were used to break into burning buildings. The speaking trumpet at the bottom was used to communicate with firefighters at the scene.

Fire equipment, late 18th century