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.

The Water Works of the City of Philadelphia. The Story of their Development and Engineering Specifications.

Visionary planning report for Philadelphia region, 1928

The Water Supply Problem of Philadelphia, 1899

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

Drawing in blue ink on beige paper depicting reservoir, dam and standpipe heights

History of East Park Reservoir, Philadelphia, Pa., 1869-1889

State of the Schuylkill River in 1876: Sewage pollution and possible remedies

Northeast Philadelphia history, one page at a time: The Holmesburg Library Scrapbook Collection

Oak Lane Reservoir pipeline, 1904

The Water and Drainage History of Philadelphia: A seven-part course

Mill Creek Sewer under construction. Several men standing beside a giant partially constructed sewer pipe.

The Water and Drainage History of Philadelphia, Part 7

Old Swedes Church and Burial Ground, from an engraving in the 1888 Philadelphia Record Almanac (Adam Levine Collection)

The Water and Drainage History of Philadelphia, Part 1

Imagine a Day Without Water

Birkinbine Schuylkill Hydrographical Survey 1861-66

Two reports on the state of the Schuylkill River, 1867