Weekend rains contributed to sewer overflows of about 21 million gallons of stormwater mixed with sewer water.

Most of the overflow – 13.5 million gallons – spilled into the Jones Falls through structured overflow points located underground. These structured overflows were designed more than 100 years ago to relieve pressure when stormwater infiltration exceeds the sewer pipes’ capacity, and will be removed as part of the ongoing work of Baltimore City’s sanitary sewer consent decree.

About 6.5 million gallons reached the Gwynns Falls beginning Sunday, May 12, and ending early Tuesday, May 14, when a sewer main overflowed at Wilkens Avenue and Brunswick Street. Other overflows at 3900 Belair Road sent an estimated 867,000 gallons of stormwater/sewer water into Herring Run, and two overflows in East Baltimore (1800 block of E. Eager St. and 1700 block of E. Chase St.) drained a combined 32,000 gallons directly into the Inner Harbor.

The public is advised to avoid direct contact with the receiving waters impacted by these or any other overflow.  Waterways throughout Baltimore City are considered impaired, and may not meet applicable standards for full-body contact recreation, including swimming, regardless of the impact of a specific sewer overflow.  Accordingly, the City discourages full-body contact with all surface waters.

For additional information regarding potential health impacts, please visit: https://health.baltimorecity.gov/sanitary-sewer-overflows-sso or call 410-396-4428.

For additional information pertaining to a specific overflow, please call the Baltimore City Department of Public Works at 410-545-6541.

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