The Baltimore City Department of Public Works estimates that over 1.4 million gallons of wastewater mixed with stormwater directly overflowed into the Jones Falls on Saturday, May 19, between 8:40 A.M. and 3:00 P.M. 

The major overflow, which accounted for all but 6,000 gallons, occurred at a structured overflow outfall in the 400 block of East Preston Street. The much smaller event occurred in the 1900 block of Falls Road at a separate structured outfall. Both were caused by water infiltrating the sewer system during heavy rains. 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.

These overflows are in addition to the previously reported 1.2 million gallon release on Thursday, May 17.

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.