Philadelphia Water Department

The Philadelphia Water Department (PWD) is the city-owned utility that treats and delivers drinking water, collects and treats wastewater, and manages stormwater runoff for Philadelphia. Its commissioner is appointed by the mayor and, along with the Streets Department, the department is coordinated through the Managing Director's cabinet and OTIS. As of 2026 Benjamin Jewell, appointed Water Commissioner in October 2025 according to the City's department page, is commissioner.^[1]

1 Operations

PWD operates drinking water plants drawing from the Delaware and Schuylkill rivers, three wastewater treatment plants, and thousands of miles of pipes. It also issues water and sewer connection approvals, which developers and contractors coordinate with L&I permits. It is funded almost entirely by customer rates and bond financing rather than the general tax base, although its budget and bond issuance pass through the Finance Department and City Council.

2 Rates and the Rate Board

Under the Charter, water, sewer and stormwater rates are not set by the department or by Council but by an independent Rate Board after a public proceeding in which PWD proposes rates, advocates and the public submit testimony, and a hearing officer reviews evidence. New rates took effect September 1, 2026: for a typical residential customer using 3,220 gallons per month, the bill rose by $6.74, or 7.5 percent, to $96.16.^[2] The Rate Board filed its decision on the 2026 TAP-R (assistance cost recovery) proceeding on July 1, 2026, and that adjustment is added to the increase approved for fiscal year 2027 in the 2025 general rate proceeding.^[3] PWD says rising labor, materials, laboratory, regulatory and capital costs drive the increases.

3 Assistance and billing disputes

The Tiered Assistance Program (TAP) lowers bills for income-eligible customers based on household income, and nearly 70,000 customers received a TAP discount as of July 31, 2026.^[3] Customers can also request payment agreements, report leaks, and dispute bills with the Water Revenue Bureau, which is part of the Revenue Department. The Water Department's customer pages describe how to dispute a bill and request further review if the dispute is not resolved; confirm the current steps and deadlines on water.phila.gov. Unpaid water and sewer charges can become liens on property.

4 Stormwater and Green City, Clean Waters

Because older parts of the system combine sewage and rainwater, heavy storms can cause overflows into rivers. PWD's long-term plan, Green City, Clean Waters, uses green infrastructure such as rain gardens, porous pavement and tree trenches to reduce overflow, in partnership with Parks and Recreation and the Office of Sustainability. Non-residential properties pay stormwater charges based on impervious area, with credits available for on-site management.

5 Controversies

Rate increases and the affordability of bills have drawn recurring criticism from consumer and housing advocates. In March 2023 a chemical release from a Bucks County plant into the Delaware River led PWD to take precautions at its intake and to advise residents about water supply. PWD has also faced scrutiny over lead service lines, which the department is replacing under federal rules. Commissioner and Council oversight occurs through budget hearings and Controller audits; see City Controller.

See also: Philadelphia Gas Works, Philadelphia Taxes, How to Get Help From the City.

References

1. Philadelphia Water Department, water.phila.gov (accessed October 2026).
2. Philadelphia Water Department, "Philadelphia Water Department Requests Necessary Rate Increase," water.phila.gov; CBS News Philadelphia coverage of rate increase.
3. City of Philadelphia, Water Rate Board, 2026 TAP-R proceeding documents and PWD notices, phila.gov (decision filed July 1, 2026).