DPW Reports Sewer Overflows Related to Rain

Wednesday Jun 13th, 2018

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

The Baltimore City Department of Public Works (DPW) estimates that two sewer overflows totaling approximately 900,000 gallons of stormwater mixed with sewer water occurred as a result of heavy rain on Monday, June 11.

These overflows into the Jones Falls occurred at the following locations:

1901 Falls Road – 48,000 gallons
428 E. Preston Street – 849,000 gallons

These structured overflow locations were designed as part of Baltimore’s sewer system more than 100 years ago. DPW is in the process of eliminating these structures.  The Baltimore City Health Department and the Maryland Department of the Environment were notified of the sewage releases. The public is reminded to avoid contact with urban waterways due to the risk of pollution. For information about health concerns as a result of sewer overflows please go to http://health.baltimorecity.gov/sanitary-sewer-overflows-sso.

As a reminder, citizens who experience basement sewage backups as a result of rain events are encouraged to take advantage of the city’s Expedited Reimbursement Program (ERP).  This program is to reimburse residents and property owners for cleanup costs related to sewage backups caused by wet weather.  Application and eligibility information can be found at this link: https://publicworks.baltimorecity.gov/sewer-consent-decree/building-backups. Please note that this program is NOT designed for costs related to flood damage, hurricanes, or other extreme weather events.

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