Philly Clean and Green

“Keep Philly Green & Water Clean” promotes green stormwater infrastructure in Philadelphia. While the city leads nationally through Green City, Clean Waters, staying ahead requires a citywide commitment to GSI.

We need you - Philadelphia’s residents and civic and community leaders - to get involved and speak up to make Green Stormwater Infrastructure successful.

What is Green Stormwater Infrastructure (GSI)?

  • Green Stormwater Infrastructure is a nature-based solution to water quality issues that urban stormwater runoff causes and provides greater benefits than conventional (or “Gray”) stormwater solutions. 

Why do we need Green Stormwater Infrastructure?

  • Stormwater — surface water generated during a rainstorm or when snow melts — runs off roads, parking lots, and roofs, picking up oil, dirt, and other pollutants as it makes its way to storm drains. Sixty percent of Philadelphia’s storm drain system is a combined system that mixes with household wastewater. Most large storms cause untreated sewage to overflow directly into local rivers and creeks.
  • GSI tools reduce pollution and flooding events by naturally slowing and filtering rainwater before entering the stormwater system.

The Economic, Social, and Environmental Benefits in your Neighborhood

  • GSI creates jobs and strengthens the economy. If we increase reliance on GSI, we can expect an additional 1,000 jobs per year and $2 million per year in local tax revenues over the next 25 years.
  • GSI reduces crime and blight, improves public health, and enhances recreation.
  • GSI mitigates the impacts of climate change by creating a localized cooling effect.
  • GSI helps keep rivers and streams clean enough to fish, boat, and swim.

How is Green Stormwater Infrastructure already being used in Philadelphia?

  • In 2011, Philadelphia began implementing a plan called Green City, Clean Waters to reduce stormwater pollution by focusing on green practices. In only 8 years, 948 public and private GSI projects have been constructed in Philadelphia. This means that rainfall on 679 acres is managed with GSI.
  • The expansion of GSI in Philadelphia has created 92 acres of new or improved green and open space, creating vibrant communities with spaces to recreate.

Photo Location: DiSilvestro Playground at the South Philadelphia Community Health and Literacy Center. Photo Credit: Ground Reconsidered

Without Green Stormwater Infrastructure, we could see:

  • Philadelphia lose its status as a national GSI leader.
  • Fewer green-economy jobs.
  • Worsening river and creek health for fishing, boating, and swimming.
  • Hotter temperatures and poorer air quality as climate change intensifies.

Other ways to take action and join the “Keep Philly Green & Water Clean” campaign

  • Educate your neighbors, local businesses, civic association, or community development organization about GSI in your neighborhood.
  • Ask your City Council Representative to support GSI projects in your community.
  • Use the hashtag #KeepWaterCleanPHL
    • Share photos of GSI in your neighborhood and explain why clean water matters to you.
  • Sign up for updates and action alerts from PennFuture.
    • We’ll keep you informed and ready to take action.
  • Elevate the importance of GSI by participating in community meetings.
  • Speak up for GSI in parks and recreation centers through the Rebuild Initiative.
  • Write letters to the editor about stormwater solutions. Contact the campaign for sample letters.
  • Share why green space matters to you by submitting a blog through the website.

Learn more about green stormwater infrastructure in your neighborhood

Visit the Philadelphia Water Department’s “Big Green Map”:

Visit Philadelphia Water Department’s “Big Green Map”

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