BALTIMORE, MD — Due to several days of sustained cold temperatures, the Baltimore City Department of Public Works (DPW) is continuing to experience a high number of service requests, with nearly 1,000 calls over the last two days reporting water outages mostly due to frozen pipes.

DPW maintenance crews from the Bureau of Water and Wastewater are working 12-hour shifts to address the outages caused by water main leaks and breaks. The Department is also utilizing private contractors to help expedite these repairs.
“DPW crews are trying to catch up on a backlog of water leaks caused by the cold snap. Our crews are doing a tough job in tough conditions,” said DPW Director Rudolph S. Chow, P.E. “We want these issues fixed as soon as possible and continue to request the public’s patience as we work to restore service.”

Due to ongoing main work, Greene Street is closed at Baltimore Street.  Also, crews are still working to isolate the impact of a 24-inch water main break on Putty Hill Avenue at the Beltway.

As a result of Monday’s snow storm, mechanical street sweeping was cancelled today so the drivers can assist with the City’s snow removal effort. Mechanical street sweeping is also canceled for Wednesday, February 18.

Protecting Your Pipes.

DPW reminds customers that pipes and utility meters can freeze when the temperature remains below 25 degrees for extended periods of time. The Department offers the following tips to help protect water lines during periods of cold weather:

• Let a thin stream of water run from the basement faucet. The stream should be a continuous flow, about the thickness of a pencil lead
• If a pipe is frozen, gently warm it with hot air from a blow dryer at the point where it enters the house
• Know the location of the water shutoff valve in your home. Check it periodically to ensure that it works properly
• Keep bottled water on hand
• Shut off water to outside faucets
• Insulate pipes in unheated parts of the home, and be especially alert if you have had a frozen pipe in the past

The Department of Public Works maintains outdoor water lines up to and including the meter. Water lines running from the meter to the house, as well as internal plumbing, are the responsibility of the property owner.

For water emergencies in Baltimore City, water customers are to call 311 to make sure requests are logged in the system. In our Baltimore County service area, please call 410-396-5352.