Let’s fix Baltimore’s sewage problem

Baltimore’s aging sanitary sewer system causes millions of gallons of raw sewage to enter our waterways each year.

We work on the Baltimore sewage problem in multiple ways. We enforce water pollution laws, advocate for sound policy making, and ensure our local government is held accountable when sewer overflows happen. 

Our Waterkeeper team monitors and samples local waterways for several water quality parameters that help track down sewage overflows.

Here’s how to help
Baltimore sewage

The Baltimore sewage problem won’t fix itself.

Getting sewage pollution in our waterways under control is a complicated challenge. To address the issue we work with volunteers, legislators, enforcement agencies, and residents in seeking effective solutions.

Sewage backups in homes and buildings are a big problem in BaltimoreHeavy rainfall coupled with the city’s crumbling infrastructure causes toxic sewage to back up into residents’ homes thousands of times a year. These backups put residents’ health, homes, and financial security at risk.

Blue Water Baltimore strongly advocates for the local government to be held accountable when sewer overflows occur. We request they post water quality advisory signage, notify impacted communities and the news media, and cleanup the resulting waste water and sewage debris in a timely fashion.

What to do if you experience a sewage backup

Baltimore City’s Building Backup Reimbursement Program

Sewage backups in homes and buildings are a big problem in BaltimoreHeavy rainfall coupled with the city’s crumbling infrastructure causes toxic sewage to back up into residents’ homes thousands of times a year. These backups put residents’ health, homes, and financial security at risk.

In April 2018, Baltimore City launched a pilot Expedited Reimbursement Program to help residents with the costs of cleaning up a sewage backup in their home. The pilot was intended help the city create a permanent program required by the Sanitary Sewer Consent Decree. So, has the program helped?

Application shortage

More than 4,600 reports of building sewage backups were reported to 311 in the program’s first year, but only 74 households applied for reimbursement. Of those, Baltimore City Department of Public Works (DPWrejected all but 10.

Funding not paid out

Of the $2 million set aside to reimburse residents, less than $15,000 (less than one percent) has been paid out.

Eligibility

Eligible applications can receive up to $5,000. However, these funds can only be used for cleanup and disinfecting. In many cases, this is far from enough.

Strict red tape

Program restrictions and requirements disqualify thousands of people who would benefit most from this program.

Lifting restrictions, publicizing the program better, increasing the dollar amount that can be reimbursed, and expanding reimbursement to cover property damage would all make things easier for residents who find sewage backed up into their homes. 
Baltimore sewage problem

Stand up against sewage

In order to protect our waterways and public health, we need to stand up against sewage. Sewage doesn’t belong in our streets, or our homes!

Here’s how to help

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Join our mailing list to get updated information on water qualities, on opportunities for making impact, and for special invitations to local events.

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Volunteer with us

Meet new people, explore Baltimore, and lend a helping hand as a Blue Water Baltimore volunteer to protect and improve our city!

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Become a member

A donation of any size makes you a member of Blue Water Baltimore and part of our fight for clean water and strong communities.