Earlier today, the City of Philadelphia was among government municipalities and businesses around the world who experienced internet connectivity challenges due to a global IT issue. The Office of Innovation and Technology (OIT) confirmed that this was an external technical issue that arose during a planned upgrade — and not due to any cyber attack.   

This post will continue to be updated with the latest information about City services.  

General Update

All city data is safe and unaffected.

Public Safety Functions

The City’s critical public safety functions – Police, Fire, First Responders, 911 Calls – are all functioning and operational. 

Impacted City Services

Philadelphia Water Department (PWD)

The Water Department and water services are functioning normally.    

Emergency desk is down. Due to technical issues, their contact center staff cannot assist with billing questions. Self-service options for bill pay and balance lookups remain unaffected. Their emergency line is up and ready to take your calls. Call (215) 685-6300 and press 1 for emergencies. 

Fire Department

There is no impact to how the Fire Department is responding to fire and emergency and rescue calls.  

Public Health Centers 

Health centers are open and providing some services, but not fully operational yet. If you can, call ahead. Providers that can access the medical record software via the cloud, are conducting virtual visits with patients. If you are having a medical emergency, please call 9-1-1.

Office of Homeless Services 

The intake capacity at OHS intake centers has been moderately affected BUT placements are still taking place.

Department of Human Services (DHS)

Most normal DHS operations have resumed, however there was impact to hotline operations for the Child Welfare Office. We are conducting a manual work around and the hotline IS able to take calls as phones are currently operable.

The following departments and agencies are functional:

Philadelphia Gas Works 

Philadelphia Water Department 

Traffic Control PennDOT 

School District of Philadelphia 

Streets Department 

Free Library of Philadelphia  

Philadelphia Parks & Recreation 

Out-of-School-Time 

Early Childhood Education  

General Services departments 

Philly311 

Municipal ID 

DHIDS Crisis Line 

Emergency operations are unaffected (911 call taking and dispatching unaffected)  

Phones in fire stations unaffected  

Septa and Amtrak: Are reporting no disruptions.