An estimated 48,500 gallons of sewage mixed with rain water was released into the Jones Falls on Friday, Aug. 18, due to water infiltrating the sewer system during the heavy rains on that evening.

These overflows occurred at two structured, underground outfalls: North Charles Street and West Lanvale Street, 42,500 gallons and at West Garrison Avenue & Queensberry Road, 16,000 gallons.

Structured overflows were 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 releases.

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.