If you’ve ever wondered how we make sure our wastewater systems are working properly, it starts with trust – and at the Back River Wastewater Treatment Plant, we’re working every day to earn it.
Automation upgrades, frequent inspections, and hands-on technical support have helped drive a complete turnaround at the plant, owned and operated by Baltimore City. After struggling in 2022, the facility, which is the largest in the state, reached more than 90% permit compliance in 2025, consistently met effluent limits, reduced nitrogen pollution by over 60% and reduced phosphorus by 80%. That’s quite a good start. We have much more to do.
And we now use an early-warning system to monitor our most advanced wastewater treatment plants every month. By tracking nutrients like nitrogen and phosphorus year-round, we can spot red flags early and step in before small issues become serious problems.
We’re also making it easier for residents to stay informed and be heard. We’ve launched a complete redesign of our Back River webpage, with new tools and information. The updated pages include online complaint forms for odor and operational concerns, as well as interactive air-monitoring data maps. It even includes information on how we are tackling midges.
This progress is backed by strong leadership and real investment. Governor Wes Moore’s FY27 budget includes more than $400 million for clean water projects—investments that protect public health, strengthen local economies, and support tourism and seafood industries that are vital to Maryland.
The bottom line is simple: investing in clean water means jobs, healthier communities, and long-term value, especially for communities that have faced historic environmental injustice. This is how we deliver progress – by following the data, listening to residents, and staying focused on people.
|
