Saturated ground, coupled with heavy rainfall during the night of August 21-22, led to major rainwater infiltration into the City's sewer mains, causing overflows into area streams.

Most of this was released through structured overflow outfalls. These structured overflow locations were designed as part of Baltimore’s sewer system more than 100 years ago. The Baltimore City Department of Public Works (DPW) is in the process of eliminating these outfalls totally over the next few years as work continues on the Headworks Project at the Back River Wastewater Treatment Plant. Headworks will allow us to pump and store this excess water for processing during such rain events. This is part of the $2 billion Sanitary Sewer Consent Decree Program.

The overflows occurred adjacent to the 400 block E. Preston Street, the 1700 block of E. Chase Street, and the 1900 block of Falls Road. All the stormwater/wastewater entered the Jones Falls, totaling 3,105,000 gallons. All of these overflows occurred during the very early morning of August 22, and all stopped within a few hours.

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

As a reminder, citizens who experience basement sewage backups as a result of rain events are encouraged to take advantage of the city’s Expedited Reimbursement Program (ERP).  This program is to reimburse residents and property owners for cleanup costs related to sewage backups caused by wet weather.  Application and eligibility information can be found at this link: https://publicworks.baltimorecity.gov/sewer-consent-decree/building-backups. Please note that this program is NOT designed for costs related to flood damage, hurricanes, or other extreme weather events.