Topics Water Supply

Annual reports and other documents relating to Philadelphia’s water supply system, 1796-1992

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

Plan of Philadelphia, John Hills, May 30, 1796

Plan of Philadelphia, John Hills, 1796

Overbrook, as it was

Centre Square Water System, Drawings of Intake Basin

Centre Square Water Works, Frederick Graff, Sr. Plans, 1799

Benjamin Henry Latrobe, portrait by Filippo Costaggini, 1880

Centre Square Water Works, Latrobe Plans, 1799

The Centre Square Works, 1801

Oak Lane Reservoir pipeline, 1904

The Water and Drainage History of Philadelphia

Diagram and description of the typhoid bacteria

The Water and Drainage History of Philadelphia, Part 6

The Water and Drainage History of Philadelphia, Part 5