Aging Pipes Flood Baltimore Homes with Sewage; Residents Demand Answers

Residents in Baltimore's Hampden neighborhood have been dealing with significant sewage backups that have inundated homes with raw waste. These issues intensified after a January snow event, which caused sewer lines to become overwhelmed. Water, waste, and other objects reportedly spilled into basements, tubs, and toilets, leading to substantial damages for affected households.

Homeowners report extensive costs, with damages ranging from an undetermined amount up to $40,000. In response, neighbors have filed a letter with the Baltimore City Department of Public Works, seeking reimbursement through the Expedited Reimbursement Program. This program, designed for wet weather events, offers a maximum of $5,000, a sum many residents find inadequate for their losses.

Legal representatives for the group argue that the city should expand reimbursement options, noting that many sewage backups occur during dry weather. The recurring problem is attributed to aging sewage infrastructure, a systemic issue affecting the city for years. Residents are also questioning if the nearby Baltimore Rotunda apartment building is contributing to the strain on the aging system, with some observing what appears to be commercial waste flowing through their homes.

The Baltimore City Department of Public Works acknowledged the residents' concerns and stated that while reimbursement programs exist for specific wet-weather events, claims outside these parameters will be reviewed by the City Law Department on an individual basis.