{"id":20,"date":"2026-07-28T21:33:40","date_gmt":"2026-07-28T21:33:40","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/sitepreview.design\/efcc\/?page_id=20"},"modified":"2026-07-29T17:40:06","modified_gmt":"2026-07-29T17:40:06","slug":"reservoir","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/sitepreview.design\/efcc\/reservoir\/","title":{"rendered":"Reservoir"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Queen Lane Water Treatment Plant<\/h1><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n
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Queen Lane Water Treatment Plant Rezoning and Reconstruction<\/span><\/h2>\n

The Philadelphia Water Department is preparing for a major, long-term project to demolish and reconstruct the Queen Lane Water Treatment Plant. Located on approximately 110 acres in East Falls, the facility is an important part of Philadelphia\u2019s water infrastructure\u2014but the size and duration of the proposed work could significantly affect nearby residents, surrounding streets and the character of the neighborhood for many years.<\/p>\n

In late 2022, the Water Department requested that the property be rezoned from residential classifications to a Special Purpose Civic designation. On May 23, 2024, Philadelphia City Council approved the zoning change. However, the legislation did not include the stronger protections or enforceable community agreement requested by the East Falls Community Council and neighboring residents.<\/p>\n

Why the Rezoning Matters<\/h3>\n

Under the property\u2019s previous residential zoning, EFCC and nearby residents had opportunities to provide input on conditions along the boundaries and public-facing portions of the facility, including areas bordering sidewalks, streets and neighboring properties.<\/p>\n

That community involvement produced meaningful results in the past. During security improvements in 2010, neighbors successfully negotiated for more appropriate fencing, improved lighting and substantial landscaped buffers around the site. These improvements helped the Water Department address its operational and security needs while also protecting the appearance and quality of life of the surrounding neighborhood.<\/p>\n

EFCC is concerned that the new civic zoning could allow the Water Department greater freedom to place buildings, equipment or other infrastructure within the buffer areas separating the treatment plant from nearby homes and public spaces. Without a binding agreement, many of the protections the community currently values may not be legally guaranteed throughout the reconstruction process.<\/p>\n

Protecting the East Falls Community<\/h3>\n

EFCC recognizes the importance of maintaining and modernizing Philadelphia\u2019s water infrastructure. The organization is not opposing improvements to the treatment plant itself. Instead, EFCC is asking the Water Department and city officials to establish clear, enforceable safeguards that balance the needs of the facility with the health, safety and quality of life of East Falls residents.<\/p>\n

The protections requested by EFCC and community members include:<\/p>\n