The following is an important update on the status of work for the 1400 block of S. 8th Street from the Philadelphia Water Department (PWD).

PGW is preparing to complete their portion of the work, and PWD had originally planned to move in immediately behind them and begin working to replace the water main the block. PGW had planned to turn the site over to PWD by early April, and hoped to begin their portion of work within several days of formally receiving the location.

Unfortunately, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and the instructions from Governor Wolf, PWD will be halting the start of any new construction projects in the City of Philadelphia. This decision was hard to make, and PWD did not do so lightly. PWD’s commitment to residents was to work quickly to return residents lives to normal in an expeditious manner, and this is obviously something that none of us could have ever planned for. Once the work stoppage is lifted, JPC Inc., the contractor hired to replace the water main on this block, will be directed to make sure that the 1400 block of S. 8th Street will be the first block they start on.

In the meantime, while PGW has been assisting residents and the Philadelphia Streets Department with trash and recycling removal, we have asked JPC to continue to do so until this work gets underway.

The Philadelphia Water Department will continue to operate our most essential functions, maintaining our drinking water and waste water facilities, the delivery of safe, clean drinking water, the treatment of wastewater, repairing water main breaks, and several other important functions of the Department.

PWD sincerely appreciates residents patience and understanding during this extremely challenging time for everyone.