Baltimore extends free sewer cleanup to dry weather incidents

Baltimore has removed the weather requirement for its free sewer backup cleanup program. Residents can now receive professional cleaning and disinfection services for blockages that happen during dry weather, provided the clog is on the city-owned side of the sewer lateral.

The previous policy limited aid to backups triggered by wet weather events like heavy or long-term rainfall. The Baltimore City Department of Public Works (DPW) administers the initiative. It connects eligible residents with third-party contractors to perform no-cost services. City officials state the goal is to educate the public on causes, protect public health, and reduce cleanup costs for families.

Mayor Brandon Scott defended the move in a statement. He said residents deserve to feel safe in their homes and know where to turn when sewage issues arise. "Expanding this program is an important step to help more families access professional cleanup services," Scott said. Matthew Garbark, the DPW Director, added that the change provides more direct support for the health and safety concerns associated with sewage disruptions.

The timing of the announcement coincided with a city council hearing scheduled for the same day. Council members planned to question DPW officials about their handling of the program. The expansion follows a 2023 order from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The federal agency required Baltimore to broaden access to the aid program.

At the time of the 2023 EPA order, the city resisted the demand. Officials argued the federal consent decree did not mandate assistance for dry weather events. The new policy aligns the city's current operations with that earlier federal directive.