Routine sampling by Baltimore City Department of Public Works (DPW) inspectors in May found a slow seepage of sewer water that was traced to a leaking house connection in the 2900 block of Woodland Avenue in Northwest Baltimore. Once the source of the seepage was confirmed, multiple efforts to correct the leaking connection resulted in a successful fix in December.

It is estimated that, over the course of several months, about 15,000 gallons of sewer water escaped into a storm drain that feeds a tributary of the Jones Falls. That’s a rate of three gallons per hour.

Inspectors from DPW routinely use several methods, including dye testing and smoke testing, to find the source of pollutants that might be infiltrating the waterways. The City then works to assure a long-term fix is made.

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

The Department of Public Works is rehabilitating the City's aging sewer infrastructure as part of a $1 billion-plus Consent Decree with the State and Federal Governments. Ongoing sewer work is occurring throughout Baltimore City. 

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