Topics Water Supply

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

Pipe Test, 1914

Photo of a woman looking at a jar of raw, untreated sewage

Jar of raw sewage before treatment, 2000

Centerfold of 1955 brochure depicting the Southeast Sewage Treatment Works

Southeast Sewage Treatment Works diagram, 1955

Photo of Allegheny Avenue Sewer, Pier 126, Delaware River, July 15, 1918

Allegheny Avenue Sewer at Pier 126, 1918

1914 map showing the plan for the collection and treatment of sewage in Philadelphia.

Plan for the Collection, Treatment and Disposal of Sewage, 1914

Two bottles of water from a river, one dark with pollution and one clear after filtration

Water Before and After Roxborough

Two black-and-white photographs of pipeline construction on State Road. Depicted are a group of people, trees, buildings, a fire hydrant and a grid of boards over the pipes.

State Road triple pipeline construction, 1904

Black-and-white photograph showing the completed Upper Roxborough Filter system. Vaulted concrete ceiling with beds of filter sand.

Upper Roxborough Filter Beds Complete, 1903

1902 photo of Upper Roxborough Filter beds under construction

Upper Roxborough Filter Bed Construction, 1902

A list of rules governing the sanitary maintenance of privy vaults in Philadelphia in 1915

Be Thankful You Don’t Live in Pre-Flush Philly