Drinking Water Violation Reported

Friday Nov 29th, 2013

Green banner with DPW logo and text "Department of Public Works Press Release"

November 29, 2013 (BALTIMORE, MD) — Public Works Director Alfred H. Foxx today announced that due to a violation for one byproduct of the drinking water filtration process, the Department of Public Works (DPW) will send a legally required notice to customers who may have used the water. Although this incident was not an emergency, our customers have the right to know what happened and what we are doing to correct the situation.

DPW routinely monitors dozens of sampling stations across our distribution area for the presence of drinking water contaminants. Quarterly sampling from October 2012 to September 2013 showed an average value for haloacetic acids (HAA5) at the Lutherville sampling location that exceeded the maximum permitted level by 2 parts per billion. The maximum allowable level for HAA5 is 60 parts per billion; this location indicated a value of 62 parts per billion. The annual averages for all other sampling locations were below the maximum allowable level.

This is not an emergency. Customers do not need to boil their water or take other corrective actions. If it had been an emergency, the affected customers would have been notified immediately.

Haloacetic acids form when disinfectants used in the water purification process react with natural organic matter in water. People who drink water containing HAA5 in excess of the maximum contaminant level (MCL) over many years may have an increased risk of getting cancer.

In recent years the allowable level for HAA5 has become more stringent, and sampling locations are now based on those with the historically highest levels. DPW performs monthly sampling for HAA5, three times as often as the mandatory quarterly sampling. If the monthly values were used to calculate the annual average, the result would have been 56 parts per billion, well within permitted levels.

Certain people may be at an increased risk. Customers with severely compromised immune systems, infants, pregnant women, and the elderly are at an increased risk, and may wish to seek advice from their health care providers.
Baltimore City has a very old water system which includes large finished drinking water reservoirs and old water pipes. HAA5 values for water leaving our three water treatment plants are relatively low, but the size and age of the distribution system contributes to higher levels in some isolated areas.

DPW has a number of plans in place to help reduce HAA5, including covering finished water reservoirs, increased mixing of water at its storage tanks, and replacing older distribution pipes. Some of these efforts are already being enacted, while others will require several years to complete.

Our most recent sample value for HAA5 was below the maximum permitted level.

Related Stories

DPW Offices, Sanitation Yards Closed on Juneteenth, Monday June 19

Baltimore City Department of Public Works (DPW) Director Jason W. Mitchell reminds residents that Juneteenth is Monday, June 19, 2023, and is a City holiday. DPW offices and sanitation yards will be CLOSED.

Weekly trash and recycling collections are NOT impacted by the Juneteenth closure. Monday is not a scheduled curbside trash or recycling collection day.

DPW Extends Deadline to Receive Discount for Paperless Billing Sign Up

The Baltimore City Department of Public Works (DPW) is pleased to announce that Baltimore City residential water customers have more time to sign up for Paperless Billing and receive a one-time, 5% discount off a monthly water bill. Residents who enroll in paperless billing by Friday, June 30, will receive the 5% discount.

DPW Offices, Sanitation Yards Closed Memorial Day: Monday, May 29

Baltimore City Department of Public Works (DPW) Director Jason W. Mitchell reminds residents that Memorial Day is on Monday, May 29, 2023, and is a City-observed holiday. DPW offices and sanitation yards will be CLOSED.

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.