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Executive overview
Key findings
546 MGD: combined rated treatment capacity of the three drinking water plants, against average distribution of 228.9 MGD in FY 2024
103.2 MGD: non-revenue water in FY 2023, up from 98.6 MGD in FY 2022 and 92.4 mgd (41.7% by volume) in the FY 2019 audited water balance
US$4,731.85 million vs about US$6.4 billion: the proposed FY 2026–FY 2031 capital program in PWD testimony, and the current six-year program as reported by Moody's (November 2025)
2031: the federal PFAS compliance date PWD gives, under a May 2026 EPA proposal to extend the 2024 rule's April 2029 date; PFOA averages at Queen Lane and Belmont, in results to April 2026, were above its 4 ppt level
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Buyer relevance
Who the report is for
Municipal bond investors and credit analysts
Read the Rate Board targets, 1.21 and 1.27 times coverage projections and the Moody's figures side by side before the US$500 million November 2026 sale prices.
Engineering and construction firms
Size the network renewal task against 37 miles of mains and 9 miles of sewers renewed in FY 2025, and PWD's targets of at least 32 and 14 miles a year for FY 2026–FY 2027.
Treatment technology suppliers
Track the PFAS pilot at plants where Queen Lane PFOA averaged 6.8 ppt against a 4 ppt federal limit due by April 2029.
City and regional policy staff
See how the City, the Rate Board, the Public Advocate and state and federal regulators divide responsibility for one system.
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Decision scope
Questions answered
Does Philadelphia have enough water and treatment capacity?
Yes on current figures: FY 2024 average distribution of 228.9 MGD was about a third of the 681 MGD permitted across both rivers and about 42% of 546 MGD rated treatment capacity.
How large are network losses?
Non-revenue water rose to 103.2 MGD in FY 2023, from 98.6 MGD in FY 2022 and 92.4 mgd (41.7% by volume) in the FY 2019 audited water balance, when real losses were 69.9 mgd and the Infrastructure Leakage Index was 9.7.
How big is the capital program?
PWD's proposal for FY 2026 to FY 2031 totals US$4,731.85 million; Moody's put the current six-year program at about US$6.4 billion in November 2025.
Which regulatory deadlines come next?
The Green City, Clean Waters Year 15 Evaluation and Adaptation Plan is due in August 2027, federal PFAS compliance is due by April 2029 (2031 under a May 2026 EPA proposal), and the combined sewer overflow goal falls in 2036.
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Inside the report
Inside the complete report
Executive Overview
1. Water Resource Profile
2. Governance and Institutional Framework
3. Infrastructure and Service Delivery
Strategic Outlook and Opportunities
Source Register
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Public preview
What to watch next
1. Water Resource Profile
Any further Delaware River Basin drought declarations; reported outcomes of the Trinseo release; whether the water balance shows the Delaware share continuing to rise.
2. Governance and Institutional Framework
The filing of the next general rate proceeding; any S&P or Fitch action after the November 2026 bond sale; the new NPDES permit terms; regulator acceptance of the Year 15 results.
3. Infrastructure and Service Delivery
A new published water balance; sewer renewal against the 14-mile target; repair performance as main breaks stay near 1,000 a year.
Strategic Outlook and Opportunities
Pricing of the November 2026 bond sale and its official statement, which should give PWD's own current capital program figure; the Year 15 Evaluation and Adaptation Plan in August 2027; the PFAS technology decision; first completed replacements under the lead pilot; the updated Water Revitalization Plan.
Network indicators and FY 2025 operating performance against PWD's targets.
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Included
What you receive
The complete PDF report: 13 pages, 6 sections, 12 tables and a register of 26 sources.
This edition
November 2026, First edition.
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Evidence & method
Evidence and method
The report draws on the City's bond official statements, Rate Board determinations, PWD's budget testimony to City Council, drinking water quality and NPDES annual reports, and rating agency, state and federal regulatory documents, with project and financing status checked on November 14, 2026.
Sources
26 sources, listed in the report's source register. Evidence current to 14 November 2026. Principal data periods: FY 2024 system data (fiscal year ended June 30, 2024); FY 2025 performance measures; rates in force from September 1, 2026; status of projects, financing and regulation checked on November 14, 2026. All currency is US dollars (US$)..
Evidence boundaries
This report uses authoritative source material available at the stated research cutoff. It distinguishes published facts, calculated values and analytical interpretation. No independent modelling is performed. Forward-looking analysis reflects published plans, documented trends and stated uncertainties. It does not constitute legal, financial, investment or engineering advice.
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Lead analyst
Robert C. Brears
Founder, Our Future Water Intelligence
Robert C. Brears is a water-security specialist and author whose work examines utility governance, infrastructure investment, climate resilience and long-term water-system change for executive and policy audiences.
- Decision-focused utility intelligence
- Published water-policy author
- Evidence-grounded system analysis
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Buyer FAQs
Before you purchase
Who can use the report?
Licensed for internal use within one purchasing organization. The PDF and its contents may be shared with colleagues within that organization. External redistribution, resale and public publication are prohibited without permission.
How is the report delivered?
The PDF is available to download immediately after confirmed payment, through our secure delivery system.
Can my organization buy wider access?
Institutional purchasing: For invoice enquiries, multi-organization licensing or broader access requirements, contact Our Future Water Intelligence.
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Water Systems Overview: Philadelphia Water Department
- Format
- Length
- 13 pages
- Edition
- November 2026, First edition
- Price
- USD 499
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Report details
Publication details
- Publisher
- Our Future Water Intelligence
- Report family
- Water Utility Intelligence Report
- Edition
- November 2026, First edition
- Format
- Length
- 13 pages
- Reference
- OFW_EXT_WATER_SYSTEMS_OVERVIEW_PHILADELPHIA_WATER_DEPARTMENT_01a433b9e7a3
- Evidence current to
- 14 November 2026
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