The Baltimore City Department of Public Works estimates that 231,500 gallons of sewer water was released from three overflows during the early morning downpour that occurred Thursday, Sept. 1.  

Two of these incidents occurred in structured overflows. One was at North Charles and West Lanvale streets, where 85,000 gallons were released into an underground, engineered overflow; the other was at 1901 Falls Road, with 88,000 gallons released.

Structured outfalls were designed into the City’s sewer system more than 100 years ago to provide such releases when the sewers became inundated with rainwater.

Also on the morning of Sept. 1, sewage overflowed from a manhole cover at N. Pine Street and W. Saratoga streets. As a result of this overflow, 58,500 gallons of sewage was discharged into the Inner Harbor.

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

With more rain anticipated this weekend, 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.