Water rates rise, West Nile Virus spreads, & more

Catch up on the latest sustainability news:

Park group awarded arboretum accreditation. Friends of Penn Treaty Park has received Level I Accreditation by The ArbNet Arboretum Accreditation Program and The Morton Arboretum for maintaining a high standard of excellence in arboreta stewardship. The Friends group is building on Penn Treaty Park’s existing collection of trees, including the historic Penn Treaty Elm. Catherine Lowther, President of Friends Treaty Park, said that the recognition allows leaders to plan more intentionally around arboretum educational offerings at the park.

Water rates rise for infrastructure upgrades. The Philadelphia Water Department announced higher water, sewer, and stormwater rates that took effect on September 1st. Rates increased by 7.5%. For example, a typical household with usage around 3,220 gallons per month will see a bill increase from $89.42 to $96.16 per month. Philadelphia Water Department Commissioner Ben Jewell said, “As a public…utility, we do not make any profit from raising rates or any other funding source.”

Advocates rally for the Academy. On Tuesday, protesters rallied around the Academy of Natural Sciences, which announced that it will shutter its museum after almost two centuries at the end of September. Time is not completely up for the Academy, however; talks continue on how to keep the institution running. Organizers have shared actions on save-the-academy.org. Philadelphia Inquirer

West Nile Virus found in Philadelphia. West Nile Virus, a neurologic infecti o n that is spread by mosquito bites, has been confirmed in Philadelphia. There have been four cases of infection in Philadelphia, including one death. The rate of infection this year (29%) is higher than the median rate from 2001-2025 (9%), according to the Philadelphia Department of Public Health. Climate change is increasing the likelihood of mosquito-borne illnesses in the United States. NBC 10 Philadelphia and Climate Central

Flash flood warnings have increased in Philadelphia. This summer, flash flood warnings were more frequent in the Philadelphia region than in years prior. This is partly due to better warning systems and partly due to the region being generally flood-prone. Meteorologists say that changing climate patterns may also be to blame. The Philadelphia Inquirer

Cover photo: Mosquito bite. Credit: NIAID via Unsplash

Angie Bacha

Angie Bacha (she/her) is a Philadelphia-based solutions journalist and recent Erasmus Mundus Master's in Journalism, Media and Globalisation student in Aarhus, Denmark. Previously, she worked as a student journalist at Community College of Philadelphia and Editorial Intern at Resolve Philly. Some other hats she has worn: Human Rights and Theatre Studies graduate; teaching artist; carpenter; AmeriCorps volunteer; and rock climbing gym shift supervisor.