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Should Philly Keep Control of Water and Sewer Systems?

Official:Providing for the submission to the qualified electors of the City of Philadelphia of an amendment to The Philadelphia Home Rule Charter to provide for perpetual City ownership and operation of the City’s water supply and sewage systems and facilities; prescribing the form of ballot question to be voted on; and, authorizing the appropriate officers to publish notice and to make arrangements for the special election.

Sponsor: Councilmember O'Rourke

Introduced: October 9, 2025

environment infrastructuresewage

Plain-Language Summary

This bill proposes putting a question on the ballot to decide if the City of Philadelphia should own and operate its water supply and sewage systems permanently.

What This Bill Does

AI-written. Every figure is checked against the bill text.

Submits a question to the voters in Philadelphia to decide whether the City should own and operate its water supply and sewage systems permanently.
Prescribes the form of the ballot question to be voted on, which asks whether the Home Rule Charter should be amended to ban privatizing or contracting out the ownership or operation of the City's water supply and sewage systems and facilities.
Directs the Clerk of City Council to certify the bill and related resolution to the Board of Elections within 5 days of its becoming law.
Authorizes the Clerk of City Council to have printed and distributed a pamphlet with information about the ballot question.

Both Sides

AI-written arguments. Every figure is checked against the bill text.

The case for

Philadelphia voters will have the chance to decide whether the City should maintain control over its essential water supply and sewage systems, ensuring public health and safety by keeping critical infrastructure in public hands. If passed, this bill would protect the City's water and sewage systems from potential exploitation or neglect by private entities, safeguarding the well-being of residents and the environment. By putting the question directly to the voters, the City is respecting the democratic process and giving citizens a say in the long-term management of their essential services.

The case against

This bill unconstitutionally restricts the City's ability to contract with other entities to manage its water supply and sewage systems, potentially limiting its ability to enter into cost-saving public-private partnerships. This could lead to increased costs and debt for the City, which would ultimately be borne by taxpayers. By mandating a permanent municipal takeover of these systems, the bill sets a precedent for government overreach and micromanaging of city services.

Neither side is the site's position. They are here so you can weigh the bill yourself.