PWD lead maps, grants for food recovery & Delaware River reports

Catch up on the latest sustainability news!

The Philadelphia Water Department (PWD) has unveiled a public-facing online map showing water service line materials for every property in the city. This initiative complies with new federal regulations under the Lead and Copper Rule, which mandate public access to service line records and the eventual replacement of lead and galvanized service lines by 2037. While Philadelphia’s drinking water is treated to prevent lead contamination, the map helps residents identify and take action on potential lead sources from their property’s plumbing. Visit the map here.

Shapiro Administration Announces Grants to Fight Hunger and Reduce Food Waste. The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) Is opening grants of up to $50,000 to help non-profits partner with food retailers to recover surplus food and redistribute it to communities in need while also reducing food waste. Grants can fund food storage, transportation, and preparation equipment, with special consideration in Environmental Justice areas. Applications are open until February 28, 2025.

The Delaware River Basin Commission (DRBC) released key scientific final reports that outline a plan to improve dissolved oxygen levels in the Delaware River Estuary, aiming to better support fish populations, including the endangered Atlantic sturgeon. These findings highlight the importance of reducing ammonia loads from municipal wastewater, a major factor in low oxygen levels. The EPA is expected to finalize new water quality standards by the end of 2024.