Welcome to DU! The truly grassroots left-of-center political community where regular people, not algorithms, drive the discussions and set the standards. Join the community: Create a free account Support DU (and get rid of ads!): Become a Star Member Latest Breaking News Editorials & Other Articles General Discussion The DU Lounge All Forums Issue Forums Culture Forums Alliance Forums Region Forums Support Forums Help & Search

BumRushDaShow

(167,937 posts)
5. Philly is still pulling 200 year old petrified tree trunk water lines out of the ground
Sat Feb 21, 2026, 09:36 AM
Saturday

I kid you not!


About five sections of wooden water mains measuring 1.8- to 3.6-m (6- to 12-ft) long were recovered in May. Photo courtesy of the Philadelphia Water Department Historical Collection.


Philadelphia installed its first wooden mains around 1800 to distribute water through the city using gravity. Photo courtesy of the Philadelphia Water Department Historical Collection.


The last wooden pipe in the city was taken out of service in 1859, but some were left in the ground. Abandoned water pipes have been uncovered during street excavations, such as these pipes removed in 1925. Photo courtesy of the Philadelphia Water Department Historical Collection.

https://www.wef.org/publications/news/wef-news/found-in-philadelphia-200-year-old-wooden-water-mains/



I remember one of the alley streets near where I worked had one taken out about 20 years ago.

Recommendations

4 members have recommended this reply (displayed in chronological order):

Latest Discussions»Latest Breaking News»Trump administration to s...»Reply #5