BALTIMORE, MD – Data estimates have been updated on the release of wastewater from structured sanitary sewer outfalls in the City during Wednesday night’s historic deluge. This data is for two structured overflows which empty into the Jones Falls from different locations. 

The overflow locations and the updated wastewater amounts released are as follows:



1901 Falls Road: 3,088,000 gallons.

428 E. Preston Street: 9,327,000 gallons.

 

Overflows were designed and built into the original sewer system over 100 years ago as release points for excessive water flow, such as occurs when heavy rainfall enters the sewer system.  Having such release points was standard at that time, but they are being phased out under terms of Baltimore’s sewer system Consent Decree.



The remaining overflows are to be eliminated once a multi-million dollar Headworks Project is constructed at the Back River Wastewater Treatment Plant. That project will greatly expand the capacity of the treatment plant and reduce pressure on the sewer collection system.



Baltimore City is in the construction phase of a $1 Billion Consent Decree Program to rehabilitate our sewer infrastructure which will help to reduce sewer overflows. At this time over $100,000,000 in sewer rehabilitation projects are occurring throughout the City.