The Baltimore City Department of Public Works estimates that over 41,000 gallons of wastewater overflowed into the Jones Falls between Friday, Oct. 20, 2017, and this morning, Monday, October 23, 2017. Bypass pumps stopped the flow around 11:00 a.m. today.

This incident occurred underground in a structured overflow in the 500 block East Preston Street.  It did not spill onto any streets. The Baltimore City Health Department and the Maryland Department of the Environment were notified of this release.

The cause of the overflow has not been determined at this time.

Structured overflows were designed as part of Baltimore’s sewer system more than 100 years ago. They are being eliminated as part of the City’s $2 billion Consent Decree sewer rehabilitation work. Structured overflows were designed to act as release valves when the pipes are surcharged with rainwater that enters the sewer mains during significant storms.

The public is reminded to avoid contact with urban waterways due to the risk of pollution. For more information about health concerns as a result of sewer overflows please go to http://health.baltimorecity.gov/sanitary-sewer-overflows-sso.