The Baltimore City Department of Public Works estimates that over 1.2 million gallons of wastewater overflowed into the Jones Falls on Thursday, May 17, between midnight and 1 p.m.

This overflow, which occurred at a structured overflow in the 400 block of East Preston Street, was caused by water infiltrating the sewer system during the heavy rains. This structured overflow was designed into the City’s sewer system more than 100 years ago to provide such releases when the sewers became inundated with rainwater. They are being eliminated as part of the City’s sewer system consent decree.

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

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.