ECA has partnered with the Philadelphia Water Department (PWD) to distribute and install rain barrels throughout the city as part of Philadelphia’s stormwater management plan—the most ambitious plan of its kind in the country. Aaron Slater and Jerry Bennet of ECA are leading the push for green stormwater management practices, creating jobs by employing local residents in the manufacture and installation of up to 2,600 rain barrels. ECA and PWD are also providing education to Philadelphia residents about the uses of rain barrels and the effects of stormwater. Click here to learn more about ECA’s rain barrels.

In order to become the country’s greenest city, Philly has adopted a broad plan of using renewable energy, increasing recycling, an aggressive tree replanting program, and the country’s most ambitious stormwater management plan. Rather than spending massive amounts of money to simply increase the size of sewer pipes and water treatment capacity, Philadelphia has decided to solve its stormwater problem through green stormwater management procedures to keep the water out of the sewer system to begin with.

The Philadelphia Water Department has committed to distributing and installing rain barrels while also providing education to its citizens about the uses of the rain barrels and the effects of stormwater. To get this project done, the PWD has partnered with the Energy Coordinating Agency, who has a proven history of successful program management and dedication to energy and environmental conservation.

Aaron Slater, in conjunction with Jerry Bennet of ECA have been leading the implementation of this program which may distribute up to 2600 rain barrels city wide. Rather than purchasing prefabricated barrels and shipping them to Philadelphia, ECA will employ local residents to manufacture and install the barrels, which will be made out of recycled materials. This will significantly decrease the cost, create jobs and reduce the carbon footprint of each barrel.

As these rain barrels spread across Philadelphia, the PWD will begin to roll out larger, more ambitious projects. Such projects include things like rain gardens, green streets, and green roofs. When it comes to making a city green, all eyes are on Philly!