Samuel S. Baxter Water Treatment Plant - Philadelphia, PA
Posted by: Groundspeak Regular Member Math Teacher
N 40° 02.645 W 074° 59.817
18T E 500260 N 4432650
This is one of three drinking water treatment plants operated by The Philadelphia Water Department.
Waymark Code: WMC3CM
Location: Pennsylvania, United States
Date Posted: 07/20/2011
Published By:Groundspeak Regular Member CM-14
Views: 10
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The Baxter Water Treatment Plant treats an average of 200 million gallons a day--enough water to fill almost one-third of the Spectrum. When the Baxter Plant was opened in 1909 it was called the Torresdale Plant. It was renamed in 1982 for Samuel S. Baxter, the first Philadelphia Water Commissioner. The Baxter Plant treats water from the Delaware River. Baxter provides water to almost 60% of the City's population. It also serves some parts of Lower Bucks County.

When I visited I was 'rushed' by security who followed me to my car, detained me and began asking me a series of questions. Apparently, water treatment facilities fall under the auspices of homeland security. I explained I was doing a civics project with my son and he needed some pictures for his presentation. The outside is completely surrounded by fence. There are also two water tanks on either side of the facility as well.

I was only able to use satellite recon to get eyes on the rear which revealed huge water storage areas typical of these large city treatment facilities.

What is the capacity of the facility?: an average of 200 gallons a day

Describe the biological treatment technology used.:
The first three steps are a filtering system where debris is removed and suspended particles settle. Next, the water is pumped through primary sedimentation tanks which gets rid of scum and solids. After this, a biological processes to remove organic materials is utilized (microbes that decompose sewage in nature are used) coupled w/ aeration tanks. The introduction of air makes the microbes go nuts and eat all the filth that is left over.

How are biosolids (sludge) managed?: The digested sludge from the Northeast Plant is barged 12 miles down the Delaware River and up the Schuylkill to the Biosolids Recycling Center where it is thickened, or dewatered, to 25% to 30% solids. After dewatering, the biosolids may be composted, la

What technology is used for disinfection prior to dicharge of treated water?: Chlorine (The EPA requires 85% removal of suspended solids from wastewater) The water that leaves here is actually cleaner than this minimum requirement

Who is the owner/operator fo the facility?: City of Philadelphia

How is the facility governed?: The Philadelphia Water Department

What is the website of the WWTP?: [Web Link]
Visit Instructions:
Please post at least 2 original photographs of the site. We would much rather see photos of the plant itself as opposed to the front office, but we also understand that security and site layout may limit your opportunities.
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