Topics Water Supply

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

PWD Celebrates Black History Month

Map Lover’s Monday: Fairmount Park, 1869

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

Fairmount Park topographical map, showing East Park Reservoir, 1872

1949 National Board of Fire Underwriters map

Fire Underwriters’ Map, 1949