The Fairmount Water Works was constructed in the early 19th century as a response to epidemics that decimated colonial Philadelphia. This made the Philadelphia one of the first cities to provide its citizens with clean water. They were able to do this by damming the Schuykill River and capturing the power of the river in giant water wheels/turbines. The Water Works provided an essential service and helped the city grow throughout the Industrial Revolution.
Today the Fairmount Water Works is the site of an educational center run by the Philadelphia Water Department. This center highlights the history of the Water Works; it uses this important historic story to talk about why clean water is important, and what we can do to stop harming the environment. Its a unique mesh of history and science, and very educational.

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The Fairmount Water Works is located just behind the Philadelphia Museum of Art at the south end of Fairmount Park. It is adjacent the Water Works Restaurant.

Last edited on Nov 11, 09 6:53 PM.
Contributors: Nowhere M. Show History

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Nowhere M.

Apr 27, 2009

It can make for a fun daytrip. If you are going through Fairmount Park behind the Philadelphia Museum of Art I would suggest checking this area out. It is very beautiful, and the city just restored some historic pathways and buildings. The Water Works are just down the street from Philadelphia's Boathouse Row.
It won't take long to go through the museum, and the history and science are fun.

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