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.

Pipe Aqueduct across Wissahickon Valley, 1868 (2004.057.0074.004)

Wissahickon Pipe Aqueduct, Roxborough to Mt. Airy, 1868

Wooden Pipes in Philadelphia

men standing around a trench with pipes seen crossing through it. there is a steam engine on wheels behind them to the left, and a building in the background on the right with a sign they says Hotel Abbey, T G Schmidt & Sons, Pilsner & Puritan Beer.

Pipeline being laid in Wissahickon Avenue

A section of wooden water pipe, long out of service, removed from a Philadelphia street in 1901. It had been installed about 1801.

Wooden Water Pipe, removed from Market Street, December 6, 1901

Philadelphia Underground, Jan. 29, 1961

“Philadelphia Underground,” Jan. 29, 1961

International Exhibition situation plan, 1876

Centennial Exhibition situation plan, 1876

Cumberland Street pipeline, 1907

Bureau of Water, Cumberland, west of 13th Street, pipe line, 1907

Oak Lane Reservoir pipeline, 1904

Oak Lane Reservoir pipeline, 1904

State Street pipeline construction

State Street pipeline construction, 1904

Showing method of sinking the pipe on the bed of the River (2004.057.0074.006)

Showing the method of sinking the pipe on the bed of the river

Stand Pipe of Philadelphia Water Works

Water Works Standpipe, 1853

Six people and dozens of sandbags performing a load test on a concrete pipe, 1914

Pipe Test, 1914