What Are Philadelphia Stormwater Regulations? Stormwater Credits & Green Infrastructure
Last Updated on January 18, 2025 by Stormwater Compliance Solutions
Read on to learn more about Philadelphia Water Department stormwater regulations, the green stormwater infrastructure in Philadelphia, and how stormwater runoff in Philadelphia is controlled.
Understanding Philadelphia Stormwater Regulations
Philadelphia stormwater requirements are overseen by the Philadelphia Water Department (PWD). They strictly follow the Philadelphia stormwater management guidance manual and provide all Philadelphia city regulations for stormwater runoff. Underneath the umbrella of the PWD is a comprehensive storm management program with best practices, regulations, and rules for the city of Philadelphia.
Key Programs in Philadelphia’s Water Department Stormwater Management
The PWD is responsible for all Philadelphia stormwater regulations. To help minimize the effects of stormwater runoff and pollution, homeowners, property owners, and developers must follow all Philadelphia stormwater ordinances and regulations.
The primary set of rules that govern Philadelphia’s stormwater management plan is the Stormwater Management Guidance Manual, which offers detailed design guidance and best management practices (BMPs) for stormwater management. This manual is designed to guide developers and others when Philadelphia stormwater issues arise and relies heavily on green infrastructure to help combat stormwater issues.
Stormwater Fees
Part of Philadelphia’s stormwater regulations include a Philadelphia stormwater fee. This fee is paid to the city, and the payment structure is based on the amount of impervious surface on a property. The Philadelphia stormwater charge is meant to nudge property owners into building more green infrastructure solutions to battle these impervious surfaces.
Discharge Regulations
The city of Philadelphia also has executive control over what is discharged into its waterways and storm sewers. These are managed to help protect public health and prevent pollution in the city.
What Is the Green Stormwater Infrastructure in Philadelphia? Green City, Clean Waters
Philadelphia has adopted a 25-year program titled Green City, Clean Waters designed to build green infrastructure to combat stormwater pollution and is an integral part of Philadelphia’s stormwater requirements. Part of the green methods for controlling stormwater runoff during construction in Philadelphia include:
- Reducing combined sewer overflows (CSOs): A CSO event occurs when rain overwhelms the city’s sewer system, which pushes wastewater into local waterways. Philadelphia stormwater regulations demand green infrastructure to reduce the volume of rainwater that makes this disruption.
- Enhancing green spaces: Philadelphia aims to merge green infrastructure and urban planning as stormwater BMPs.
- Improving water quality: The city aims to implement measures to use sustainable products to enhance water quality by filtering and absorbing water that occurs from stormwater runoff.
Key Concepts of Green Philadelphia Stormwater Regulations
Green infrastructure for Philadelphia includes a few key concepts, such as:
- Rain gardens and bioswales reduce the water volume that enters the sewer
- Green roofs that absorb rainfall and protect urban heat island
- Tree planting helps to absorb runoff
- Porous pavements prompt groundwater recharge and allow more water to infiltrate the ground
Green Philadelphia stormwater regulations also pinpoint impervious surfaces, which prevent water from entering the ground and can cause runoff and flooding. Adjusting existing impervious surfaces and implementing green infrastructure helps with flooding and stormwater drainage in Philadelphia.
Philadelphia Water & Sewer Stormwater Management Plans
Particularly for new development projects, a Stormwater Management Plan (SWMP) is required. Who’s required to manage stormwater on-site in Philadelphia? The developer or construction company must adhere completely to the SWMP provided to them.
A combined sewer system is one of the most important aspects of Philadelphia stormwater regulations and SWMPs. This is where stormwater and wastewater share the same pipes. This is needed because heavy rainfall can overflow the sewer system, leading to a CSO, so the combined system becomes a necessary tool.
Using BMPs and a Philadelphia stormwater map, officials let developers know exactly how to comply with the regulations. For even more understanding, prospective developers and builders can take stormwater certification training in Philadelphia, PA, or stormwater pollution prevention plan training for an even deeper knowledge of stormwater BMPs and compliance.
How to Learn More About Philadelphia Stormwater Regulations
If you’re planning to develop in Philadelphia or are interested in the BMPs of stormwater management, the Philadelphia Water Department (PWD) website is extremely helpful. This site provides full disclosure on the Philadelphia stormwater management incentive program and Philadelphia stormwater credit FAQ and contains all of the information pertinent to the Stormwater Management Guidance Manual and Green City, Green Waters plan.
Whether you’re a resident or a developer in Philly, it’s important to be familiar with the Philadelphia stormwater regulations that help rid the city of pollution and help promote public safety. To answer, “What is the water problem in Philadelphia,” the city replies with comprehensive BMPs and implementation of green infrastructure to help combat runoff, which is so common in urban areas. As the city of Philadelphia delves deeper into BMPs and discovers more solutions, such as Jellyfish filters or stormwater ponds in Philadelphia, pollution and runoff concerns will continue to decrease.
