Fairmount Water Works, a registered National Historic Landmark, was the first successful water supply system in the nation 200 years ago. Built with a tremendous amount of civic pride, the architecture and sculptures invoke a time in the history of Philadelphia of great hope and growth. Visitors to our Interpretive Center can learn about the innovative technologies used to pump water during the nearly hundred years of operation, visit our Mussel Hatchery and view a short film about the history of Fairmount Water Works.
The Mussel Hatchery has a Propagation Trial for freshwater mussels scheduled for June 25th. Visitors will be allowed to see our scientists at work propagating Eastern Pondmussel, one of the native species we can still find in our rivers. Visitors will learn about the freshwater mussel’s unique life cycle and about our research and interest in restoring populations of these filter feeders in the Delaware River watershed. In the event the trial needs to be postponed, we will have a simulation of the propagation trial for visitors. We will also have our lab set up with hands-on activities and games about freshwater mussels to help visitors get to know this fascinating critter and understand why the Philadelphia Water Department is investing in this kind of innovative approach in source water management.