UPDATE -- Underground Sewer Overflow Stopped

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

This past Friday, May 6, the Baltimore City Department of Public Works reported that a sanitary sewer had overflowed into the Jones Falls. The overflow stopped around 5:00 p.m. that same day. On Monday, May 9, the total release was estimated to be 46,000 gallons.

This incident occurred underground, from a “structured” overflow system in East Baltimore, and did not spill onto any streets. Such structured overflows were designed as part of Baltimore’s sewer system over 100 years ago, but are being eliminated as part of the City’s $1 billion Consent Decree sewer rehabilitation. Structured overflows release the excess wastewater, which mostly consists of rainwater that enters the sewer mains during heavy downpours.

No other significant overflows were reported as a result of the recent rains.

The Baltimore City Health Department and the Maryland Department of the Environment were notified of this event.

Typically, but especially during times of heavy, prolonged rain, the public is urged not to come into contact with urban streams because of the possibility that pollutants have been washed into them. Permanent signs to this effect are posted along our urban streams.

Related Stories

Baltimore City DPW, Health Department Provide Update on Cryptosporidium, Release New FAQ Document

Today, Saturday, Sept. 30, the Baltimore City Department of Public Works (DPW) in conjunction with the Baltimore City Health Department (BCHD), released additional FAQs on the DPW website and made the following update to the public regarding the discovery of low levels of the microscopic parasite Cryptosporidium found during a routine test at Druid Lake Reservoir.

DPW Detects Low Levels of Cryptosporidium During Routine Testing of Druid Lake Reservoir

Today, Thursday, Sept. 28, 2023, the Baltimore City Department of Public Works (DPW) announced that during a routine test of the Druid Lake Reservoir low levels of the microscopic parasite Cryptosporidium were discovered. Cryptosporidium is a microorganism commonly found in lakes and rivers, which can potentially cause gastrointestinal problems, particularly, in those who are immunocompromised, elderly, or children.

 DPW Launches Textile Recycling Partnership  Blue Bins Available at Residential Drop-off Centers to Collect  Unwanted Clothes, Textile Items

Baltimore City Department of Public Works (DPW)  has announced that residents can now bring used clothing, shoes, sheets, and other textiles to any of DPW’s five Residential Drop-off Centers, where large blue collection bins will be available.

Contact

James E. Bentley II
410-545-6541
Jennifer Combs
410-545-6541
After hours, weekends, or holidays please call 410-396-3100 for the duty officer

The Baltimore City Department of Public Works supports the health, environment, and economy of our City and region by cleaning our neighborhoods and waterways and providing its customers with safe drinking water and sustainable energy practices.