The Baltimore City Department of Public Works estimates that on Sunday, February 11, 2018, approximately 5.7 million gallons of wastewater mixed with rainwater overflowed into the Jones Falls, and 36 thousand gallons overflowed into the Western Run . 

The Jones Falls incidents occurred underground in structured overflows in the 400 block East Preston Street and the 1900 block of Falls Road.   

The Western Run event happened at an elevated manhole located along the stream near Western Run Drive and Bonnie View Drive.

The cause of the overflows was heavy rainfall entering the sewer mains, overwhelming the ability of the mains to handle all the water. All of these began in the late morning and stopped in the afternoon.

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

Structured overflows were designed as part of Baltimore’s sewer system more than 100 years ago. They are being eliminated as part of the City’s $2 billion Consent Decree sewer rehabilitation work. Structured overflows were designed to act as release valves when the mains are surcharged with rainwater that enters the sewer lines during significant storms.

The public is reminded to avoid contact with urban waterways due to the risk of pollution. For more information about health concerns as a result of sewer overflows please go to http://health.baltimorecity.gov/sanitary-sewer-overflows-sso.