Sanitary Sewer Overflows Totals Updated

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

As reported last week, a mixture of storm water mixed with sewer water overflowed into the Jones Falls and Herring Run overnight on Thursday, March 21, and into early Friday morning as a result of infiltration from heavy rains. The overflows were reported from multiple locations. The final totals have now been calculated at approximately 45 million gallons, with 8.8 million of that entering Herring Run, and the rest entering the Jones Falls.

Overflows occur when storm water infiltrates into the sewer mains, either through small cracks in the sewer pipes, manholes, or through illegal connections. The Baltimore City Department of Public Works (DPW) is in the process of improving its sewer system and eliminating overflows as part of the $2 billion Sanitary Sewer Consent Decree. 

Information about specific sanitary sewer overflows is available through an interactive map on the DPW website: https://publicworks.baltimorecity.gov/interactive-maps.

The Baltimore City Health Department and the Maryland Department of the Environment were notified of the sewage release. The public is reminded to always avoid contact with urban waterways due to the risk of pollution. Signs stating that are posted along our urban streams. For information about health concerns as a result of sewer overflows please go to http://health.baltimorecity.gov/sanitary-sewer-overflows-sso.

Citizens who experience basement sewage backups as a result of rain events are encouraged to take advantage of the city’s Expedited Reimbursement Program. 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 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.

 

Related Stories

DPW Offices and Facilities Close for Good Friday, March 29 Trash, Recycling Pickups to Resume Saturday, March 30

Baltimore City Department of Public Works (DPW) Acting Director Khalil Zaied reminds residents that Good Friday, March 29, 2024, is a City holiday and DPW offices and sanitation yards will be CLOSEDThere will be NO trash or recycling collections on Good Friday. Trash and recycling collections, normally scheduled for Friday, March 29, will be collected on the make-up day, Saturday, March 30.

Mayor Scott to Nominate Khalil Zaied as New Director of the Department of Public Works

Mayor Brandon M. Scott has announced his intent to nominate Khalil Zaied as the new Director of the Department of Public Works (DPW). Zaied, who most recently led the Department of Public Works in Champaign, Illinois, will join DPW on March 18, 2024. Previously, he was a nearly 20 year veteran of Baltimore City Government, serving as Deputy Mayor of Operations and Director of Transportation, among other roles.

Mayor Scott, City Agencies Highlight the Return of Weekly Recycling

On Monday, March 4, Mayor Brandon M. Scott, Department of Public Works Interim Director Richard J. Luna, Department of General Services Director Berke Attila, and Baltimore City Chief Administrative Officer Faith Leach joined city staff and community members to highlight the return of weekly, curbside recycling collections for Baltimore City residents, starting Tuesday, March 5.