BALTIMORE, MD - Baltimore City Department of Public Works Director Rudolph S. Chow, P.E., today announced a big reduction in water outages in Baltimore City and County.

 

At a media briefing with Mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake and Transportation Director William M. Johnson, Director Chow stated that since February 14 that there have been over 5,600 no-water calls received by the Department. That averages to 400 daily as opposed to a normal of 30 calls per day for this time of year. These calls are in addition to many others related to such matters as water in basements.

 

Currently there are 750 no-water concerns still being addressed. In addition, approximately 250 locations need additional thawing or repair work to fully restore service.  The total of no-water issues was reduced by 50% in the last 24 hours.

 

In addition to Maintenance Division workers on 12-hour shifts, and numerous contractor crews, the Department has over 40 investigators on the streets. These individuals are also resolving many of the basic restorations as they make their way across the service area. DPW continues to work around-the-clock addressing water service lines and approximately 25 water main breaks at any given time.

 

DPW is advising residents who do not have water to turn off all taps in the house for the safety of the property. When DPW crews restore water service, they often see water running inside a property and are concerned that this flow will flood the property.

 

Citizens in Baltimore City with water concerns should call 311. Customers in Baltimore County should call 410-396-5323.

 

And remember, when the temperature goes below 25 degrees for an extended period, let a thin stream of cold water run from a basement faucet. The stream should be a continuous flow, about the thickness of a pencil lead. This water can be caught in a bucket and used later as laundry or dish water.