Be Wet Weather Ready! Learn About DPW's SOS Cleanup, Expedited Reimbursement Programs
Spring has officially arrived! Springtime often brings heavy rains to the Baltimore area. The Baltimore City Department of Public Works (DPW) reminds residents that programs are available to assist Baltimore City residents impacted by capacity-related sewage backup damage caused by a heavy wet weather event.
On Tuesday, March 23, Mayor Brandon M. Scott and DPW Acting Director Matthew W. Garbark announced the launch of a new Sewage Onsite Support (SOS) Cleanup Program. This 12-month pilot program provides professional cleaning, disinfection, and disposal services from a third-party vendor at no cost to Baltimore City residents impacted by capacity-related sewage backup damage caused by a heavy wet weather (rain/snowmelt) event.
Affected Baltimore residents who choose not to participate in the SOS Cleanup Program may apply for DPW’s Sewage Backup Expedited Reimbursement Program. The Program offers up to $5,000 per residence, per occurrence, for reasonable interior space cleanup and disinfection expenses.
Please note: Eligibility is limited to either the SOS Cleanup Program or the Expedited Reimbursement Program for Sewage Backups, not both.
DPW’s SOS Program is a cleaning program offered FREE to owners, residents and tenants of property located in Baltimore City impacted by a sewage backup caused by a capacity-related wet weather event.
What is a capacity-related wet weather event?
A capacity-related wet weather event occurs when the sewer system is unable to handle the volume of sewage flowing when at least ¼ inch of precipitation is recorded within a 24-hour period.
Stormwater flooding or sewage backups caused by dry weather events (i.e., grease or debris clogs, root intrusion) are NOT covered by DPW's SOS Cleanup Program.
DPW will not be the service provider for the SOS Cleanup Program. DPW will contact the third-party vendor and schedule appointments for approved residents. Residents will not receive a bill from the vendor for this service.
For more information visit the DPW website:https://publicworks.baltimorecity.gov/soscleanup.
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Download FAQs for the SOS Cleanup Program: http://bit.ly/SOSCleanupFAQ
DPW also administers the Expedited Reimbursement Program for sewage backups caused by capacity-related wet weather events. The program offers up to $5,000 per dwelling unit, per event for reasonable, documented clean-up, disinfection and disposal services costs.
Who's Eligible?
- The Expedited Reimbursement Program is available for sewage damage caused by a capacity-related wet weather event. A capacity-related wet weather event occurs when at least ¼ inch of precipitation is recorded within a 24-hour period that causes the sewer lines to surcharge or overflow.
- You must be a City residential customer (i.e., homeowner or tenant).
- Sewage backup events prior to April 6, 2018, are not eligible.
Resources & Tools
Expedited Reimbursement Brochure
Expedited Reimbursement Application
Understanding, Preventing Sewage Backups
Handling Sewage Backups
Stormwater flooding or sewage backups caused by dry weather events (i.e., grease or debris clogs, root intrusion) are NOT covered by DPW's Expedited Reimbursement Program for Sewage Backups.
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DPW crews act early to clear storm drains before the expected strong winds and heavy rains arrive. If you are able to clear storm drains around your property of debris, please do so to prevent flooding. If you experience a basement backup of sewage, please call 311 to report it immediately
Leaves can become a source of storm inlet blockage. Sweeping leaves and trash from sidewalks, alleys and gutters will keep this material out of the drains. Please do not park on top of storm inlets.
Trash and loose debris should be secured at all times. Loose material can end up entering and clogging storm drains, leading to flooding. Please secure large items such as trash cans and lawn furniture.
Be aware of possible rising water along streams and in low-lying areas. Blocked storm drains may increase the potential for flooding at these locations.
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