Fairmont Water Works Interpretive Center

The Fairmont Water Works originally evolved as a result of municipal responsibility. In the late 18th century, yellow fever outbreaks were thought to be the result of a water borne disease. To combat this, Philadelphia was one of the first U.S. cities to take over and supply its inhabitants with safe drinking water. Later, as pollution threatened the river, the city bought and protected land that drained into the Schuylkill River. Much of this land later became the magnificent Fairmont Park. The Interpretive Center is a fascinating display of how we interact with our water supplies and the effects our interaction can have on the environment.