PWD will present plans for green improvements at a Phila. Police Department building, Saunders Park and local streets on Feb. 21. This drawing shows improvements that could come to Pearl Street.

At the Philadelphia Water Department, we’re always looking for ways to team up with sister departments like Parks and Recreation, Streets, the Dept. of Public Property and non-profits to build new Green City, Clean Waters tools that manage stormwater on public property.

The idea is that we can save time and money for the City—and reduce the headaches that can come with construction sites—by building green infrastructure in places where other types of investments are already taking place or needed.

On February 21, we’re meeting with members of West Philly’s Saunders Park community to get input on a green project that takes this partnership concept into novel territory—a new collaboration with the Philadelphia Police Department and Department of Public Property:

A photo posted by Philadelphia Water (@phillyh2o) on Aug 10, 2016 at 1:42pm PDT

Our first season of volunteer cleanups with local apparel company United By Blue was a huge success, and we’re excited to start another round this spring.

In 2016, nearly 1,000 volunteers joined PWD , United By Blue, Philadelphia Parks and Recreation and other partners at 15 clean ups to remove nearly 33 tons of trash from waterfront green spaces like Bartram’s Garden and Penn Treaty Park.

For those Philly residents feeling the winter blues, Punxsutawney Phil didn’t exactly bring hope and relief when he popped out of his den on Ground Hog Day and decided we’re in for six more weeks of cold weather.

But, before you resign and decide to join ol’ Phil in another month-and-half of hibernation, let us offer you an optimistic antidote.

Rather than thinking of this Ground Hog Day forecast as a longer winter, think of it as more time to get started on that spring landscaping project you’ve been putting off!

In February alone, we have eight free Rain Check workshops scheduled in neighborhoods all over the city, providing you with lots of opportunities to start planning a discounted warm-weather upgrade for your home.

With Rain Check, you can sign up to get a free rain barrel installed this spring—and then spend the rest of winter coming up with a fun DIY design that will make it yours.