Marking the start of National Drinking Water Week, the Baltimore City Department of Public Works (DPW) is pleased to present its 2016 Water Quality Report. The annual report informs water customers where the City’s drinking water comes from, how the water is treated, what it contains, and how it meets federal standards for tap water.

DPW Director Rudy S. Chow, P.E., said, “The Baltimore area is fortunate to have excellent water sources. However, a great deal of the of the credit for our high-quality drinking water is due to the dedicated professionals who work around-the-clock to ensure that safe water is delivered to our customers.”

In addition, the DPW Water Quality report reminds customers to keep waterways clean by placing wipes in the trash, instead of flushing, and pouring cooking fats, oils, and grease (FOG) in a can and not down the drain.  DPW crews routinely find grease balls and rags when they are called to clear clogged sewers that have overflown or backed up into houses.­

The 2016 Water Quality Report is now available online at publicworks.baltimorecity.gov/water-quality-reports. The Annual Water Quality Report will be included with the monthly water bills that are going out now.

National Drinking Water Week DPW is joining the American Water Works Association (AWWA) and water professionals across North America to kick off Drinking Water Week with the theme “Your Water – To Know It Is To Love It.” National Drinking Water Week runs May 7-13.

During National Drinking Water Week, water consumers are reminded to take personal responsibility in caring for their tap water and water infrastructure at home and in the community.