Office of Watersheds

Vision:

The Office of Watersheds' vision "Clean Water - Green City" is to unite the City of Philadelphia with its water environment, creating a green legacy for future generations while incorporating a balance between ecology, economics, and equity.

Mission:

To preserve and enhance the health of the region's watersheds through effective wastewater and storm water services and the adoption of a comprehensive watershed management approach that achieves a sensible balance between cost and environmental benefit and is based on planning and acting in partnership with other regional stakeholders.

History:

The Office of Watersheds (OOW) is a unit of the Philadelphia Water Department's Planning and Engineering Division. OOW was formed in January 1999 through reorganization of the Philadelphia Water Department (PWD), by integrating three historically separated programs: Combined Sewer Overflow, Stormwater Management, and Source Water Protection. The OOW is working to achieve viable and measurable improvements to the region's waterways by implementing planning and management strategies that foster good science, public involvement, and fiscal responsibility. Our goal is to meet regulatory requirements while enhancing the health and aesthetics of our environment.