Benjamin C. Jewell was appointed by Mayor Cherelle Park as Water Commissioner in October 2025. Previously, he served as the First Deputy Commissioner, Deputy Commissioner of Operations, and Director of Wastewater Operations with the Water Department.

As Water Commissioner, Jewell manages all units and a staff of approximately 2,200 at the Water Department, which provides integrated water, wastewater, and stormwater services for the City of Philadelphia as well as 10 suburban wholesale customers.

Water Department commissioner responsibilities include oversight of three drinking water treatment plants, three wastewater treatment plants, and a vast system of water mains, sewers, pump stations, inlets, outfalls, fire hydrants, and other critical infrastructure. The commissioner also directs the department’s capital and operating budgets totaling approximately $1.5 billion annually.

Jewell holds a degree in Environmental Engineering from Northwestern University and has worked with PWD in various roles since 2007, including as an Environmental Engineer, an Engineering Supervisor, and as a Manager of Collection System Operations.