Founded in 1801 the Philadelphia Water Department began as a means to combat the perils of Yellow Fever. As one of the first municipal systems, Philadelphia’s water infrastructure is enormous and aging. With over 3,100 miles of system piping and over 91,000 water valves, the task of maintaining the network is daunting. Beyond the replacement of a few wood and lead lines here and there, the main task is dealing with the rupturing cast iron lines, many of which are over a century old. The ruptures have flooded many businesses and basements while causing street closures that last months to fix. Like many aging American cities, a reinvestment in infrastructure along with training and good pay is key to preserving a decent urban life quality. The PWD also manages the sewer and stormwater system, cleans the incoming and outgoing water and works to establish a greener grid for the Philadelphia’s 1.5 million plus denizens. The waffle grid on this cover is the most common design the utility uses. Produced by an assortment of foundries such as Clark, Campbell, East Jordan to name a few, this rare cover from May Foundry was produced over a century ago and is still extant in the beautiful neighborhood of Bella Vista at the northeast intersection of Warnock and Christian Streets. An added nod to the department’s founding is located below the top pickpoint and a drop of water has transformed the “A” in “MAY.”