Winter Weather Conditions Contributing to Increase in Baltimore Area Water Main Breaks

Wednesday Dec 28th, 2022

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Winter Weather Conditions Contributing to Increase in Baltimore Area
Water Main Breaks

Baltimore City Department of Public Works (DPW) is experiencing an increase in the water main breaks and water-related service requests due, in part, to freezing temperatures over the weekend and this week’s warmer weather. DPW is working expeditiously to make water main repairs and to respond to water-related service requests.

Cold weather can harm water infrastructure, especially during long periods of cold and repeated freeze/thaw cycles. Water mains break due to a variety of factors, especially freezing and thawing conditions that can cause the ground to shift and put stress on the pipes.

In addition, water service lines and water meters can freeze when the temperature remains below 25 degrees for extended periods of time.

DPW maintains outdoor water lines up to and including the meter. Water lines running from the meter to the house, and internal plumbing, are the responsibility of the property owner.

Responding to Water Main Breaks

When a water main breaks, DPW’s key priority is to restore water service to the homes and businesses experiencing water outages. However, most water mains can be repaired without residents losing water service.

DPW stands ready to repair mains and restore water service and asks for the public’s patience. Crews have received notice and are on standby, and contractors are on-call to assist with repairs.

 Water Main Repair Process

  • Baltimore City residents should report water main breaks and other water emergencies to 311 (phone, mobile app, online). Baltimore County customers should call (410) 396- 5352.
  • A DPW inspector will be dispatched to investigate the break.
  • The water main valve will be located and turned off to cut off the flow of water.
  • Utility lines are identified and marked.
  • Broken pipe section is located, dug up and repaired or replaced.
  • Excavation site is filled in and roads are repaved.

To keep the public informed, DPW has an interactive map that shows up-to-date information on water main repair activity. The interactive map is available on DPW’s website: https://publicworks.baltimorecity.gov/interactive-maps.

To report water main breaks and other water emergencies in Baltimore City, please call 311, or call 410-396-5352 in our Baltimore County service area. 

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