Charles Street Water Main Break Update
Thursday Nov 8th, 2012
Just before 8:00 this morning a 60 inch cast iron main erupted at the intersection of N. Charles St. and 20th St. Charles St. is closed to thru traffic north of Penn Station, and 20th St. is closed between Maryland Ave. and St. Paul St. Other streets which cross Charles St., including Lanvale St., Lafayette St. and North Ave. are also closed to thru traffic. Choose alternate routes away from the vicinity of the break to avoid traffic congestion.
Crews continue to work on the final stages of the main shut-down. DPW is also working with other utilities to minimize impacts on those, including gas mains. Impacts on water service should be limited to some low water pressure in north central Baltimore and localized cloudiness. Citizens should run their water for several minutes to clear it if there is discoloration. Removing the aerator on the faucet will help this process of returning water to normal clarity. If the water does not clear please call 311.
Excavation of the break will not occur until sometime tomorrow, after the shutdown of the line is completed and other utilities are protected and examined. This main was fabricated in 1913 and installed approximately 90 years ago. DPW has begun a comprehensive proactive program to increase our water main replacement and rehabilitation from under five miles annually, to 40 miles annually, over the next five years. This is a $300 million investment in needed water infrastructure to reduce the likelihood on water main breaks in the future.
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Contact
| James E. Bentley II 410-545-6541 | Jennifer Combs 410-545-6541 | |
| After hours, weekends, or holidays please call 410-396-3100 for the duty officer | ||
The Baltimore City Department of Public Works supports the health, environment, and economy of our City and region by cleaning our neighborhoods and waterways and providing its customers with safe drinking water and sustainable energy practices.