Baltimore Sewage Program: Free Basement Cleanup Expands
The city will now cover professional disinfection costs for sewage backups caused by system failures, not just severe weather.
By Samuel Hayes ·
Baltimore homeowners and renters will no longer pay out of pocket for professional cleanup after a sewage backup in their basement. Mayor Brandon M. Scott and the Department of Public Works announced the expansion of the Sewage Onsite Support program on Wednesday. The change removes a financial barrier for residents dealing with municipal sewer issues.
Previously, the program only covered cleanup costs when severe storms caused the backups. Now, the city covers the expense of professional cleaning and disinfection regardless of the cause. This includes system failures that occur on dry days. The expansion was developed in coordination with the Maryland Department of the Environment.
Affected residents can request the service by calling the city’s 311 line. The program applies to homes connected to the municipal sewer network. Officials stated that rapid disinfection is necessary to stop the spread of pathogens. The measure aims to protect the health of families in vulnerable communities.
The city’s Department of Public Works will manage the rollout. The announcement marks a shift from a storm-specific response to a year-round support system. Residents do not need to wait for a weather event to qualify for the free service.
Source: Latin Opinion
