No Raw Sewage Found in the Back River Wastewater Treatment Plant Outfall

Green banner with DPW logo and text "Department of Public Works Press Release"

The Department of Public Works (DPW) maintains that the continuous characterization of discharges from the Back River Wastewater Treatment Plant as untreated wastewater is absolutely not factual.

The Maryland Department of the Environment (MDE) examined a sample of solid waste materials observed earlier this week (April 14) in Back River. MDE’s analysis indicated that this was NOT raw sewage. The sample of solid waste material collected this week appears similar to the sample MDE received from Blue Water Baltimore on March 23.

The microscopic analysis of the March 23 sample showed no life visible (i.e., bacteria, fungi, protozoan, rotifers, and nematodes), indicating there were no undigested byproducts. The strong odor in both samples was similar to nutrient-rich oxygen-depleted marsh mud.

DPW continues to work closely with MDE and the Maryland Environmental Services (MES) agencies to ensure optimal performance of the Back River Wastewater Treatment Plant by collecting and comparing river samples daily. DPW will continue to partner with MDE and MES to ensure compliance.

BR Water 

A water sample taken from the outfall.

SOURCE: Back River Wastewater Treatment Plant, taken April 14.

 

 

Related Stories

DPW to Start Trash and Recycling Collections at 5:00 a.m. During Summer Months Earlier Start Time Aims to Protect Workers from Extreme Heat –Seasonal Change Begins Tuesday, July 8

To protect sanitation workers from the dangers of extreme summer heat, the Baltimore City Department of Public Works (DPW) will begin trash and recycling collections one hour earlier—starting at 5:00 a.m.—beginning Tuesday, July 8. This seasonal adjustment will run through Tuesday, September 30, 2025.

DPW Offices and Sanitation Yards Closed for Independence Day

Baltimore City Department of Public Works (DPW) Director Khalil Zaied reminds residents that Friday, July 4, 2025, is Independence Day, a City holiday. As a result, all DPW offices and sanitation yards will be CLOSED in observance of the holiday. There will be no trash or recycling collections on Friday, July 4. Collections will resume on the makeup day, Saturday, July 5, 2025. Additionally, there will be no street sweeping due to the holiday closure.

DPW Releases 2024 Water Quality Report

The Baltimore City Department of Public Works (DPW) today announced the release of its 2024 Water Quality Report, providing residents in Baltimore City and Baltimore County with important information about the quality of their drinking water.