Baltimore DPW outlines revised sewer plan and homeowner support programs

The Baltimore City Department of Public Works held its annual public meeting on Thursday, January 15, 2026, at the Cylburn Arboretum Vollmer Center to review updates to the Sanitary Sewer Modified Consent Decree, including a revised Phase II Plan and related programs that will shape sewer design, maintenance, and homeowner protections in coming years.

City officials used the session to walk through upcoming sanitary sewer design and construction projects, preventive maintenance programs, and water-quality and compliance efforts tied to the MCD. The meeting highlighted two homeowner-facing initiatives: the Basement Backup Expedited Reimbursement Program (BBERP) and the Sewage Onsite Support (SOS) program. Attendees could visit interactive learning stations and register for future engagement opportunities; a recorded presentation and virtual materials will be posted for those unable to attend in person. The DPW website includes the meeting location, registration link, and guidance on where to find more detailed technical and program information on the MCD.

The updates carry direct implications for Baltimore neighborhoods. Revised Phase II planning signals a series of design and construction projects that will involve street-level work, targeted maintenance, and operational changes to reduce sanitary sewer impacts. Preventive maintenance programs discussed at the meeting are intended to lower the frequency of backups and service disruptions, while water-quality and compliance efforts aim to meet requirements embedded in the MCD framework. For homeowners who experience sewer backups, the BBERP and SOS programs offer expedited pathways for reimbursement and onsite assistance, respectively, although the city has not released new eligibility thresholds or payout figures at the meeting.

Institutionally, the annual meeting demonstrates continued public outreach by DPW as it executes the MCD. Posting a recorded presentation and virtual materials increases transparency and access for residents who cannot attend in person. The structure of the presentation and the availability of technical guidance on the DPW page create clearer points of contact for neighborhoods seeking project schedules, expected impacts, and program enrollment steps.

For voters and civic participants, the pace and scope of Phase II work will inform future conversations about city infrastructure priorities and budget allocations. Construction timelines, neighborhood disruptions, and long-term maintenance commitments all tie back to choices elected officials and agency managers make about funding and oversight.

Monitor the DPW page for the posted presentation and program guidance, and expect ongoing opportunities for public input as Phase II projects move from planning into design and construction. The coming months will be critical for residents tracking service impacts, reimbursement pathways, and the city's progress on sewer system improvements.