Monitoring Water Usage: Baltimore County's Conservation Efforts

Water usage in Baltimore County is a complex issue, with a variety of factors influencing how water is monitored and managed. Baltimore City is responsible for water services in the county, including billing, rates, and account changes. The county, however, also plays a role in addressing specific water-related issues. Water quality is a key concern, with the Baltimore County Department of Health, Environmental Health Services (EHS) closely monitoring beach areas and issuing alerts and advisories when needed. Additionally, organizations like Blue Water Baltimore work to protect and restore the watershed, advocating for stronger enforcement of clean water laws. Understanding water usage and conservation is crucial for residents and businesses, as issues such as leaking pipes or running toilets can lead to increased water bills and sewer service charges. Baltimore County provides resources to help residents identify and address these problems, ensuring efficient water usage and conservation.

Water quality monitoring by the Department of Environmental Protection and Sustainability (DEPS)

Water quality monitoring is a critical aspect of ensuring safe and sustainable water resources for the residents of Baltimore County. The Department of Environmental Protection and Sustainability (DEPS) plays a vital role in this regard, employing various strategies and programs to monitor and safeguard water quality.

One of the key responsibilities of DEPS is to closely monitor recreational water and public beaches. The department's Environmental Health Services (EHS) unit routinely collects samples from beach areas, tests water quality, and posts the results for public information. In the event of sewage contamination or when water quality standards are exceeded, EHS promptly issues Water Contact Alerts or closes public bathing beaches to protect public health. These alerts and advisories are an essential precautionary measure to safeguard residents and visitors from potential health risks associated with contaminated water.

Baltimore County also provides residents with valuable information on water usage and conservation. The county's website offers guidance on identifying issues that affect water usage, such as running toilets, dripping faucets, or leaking pipes, which can lead to higher water consumption and increased bills. By raising awareness, DEPS empowers residents to take proactive measures to conserve water and avoid unnecessary costs.

Additionally, DEPS plays a crucial role in addressing water-related emergencies. The department operates an Emergency Sewer Service line, available seven days a week, to respond promptly to sewer-related issues. This service includes unclogging sewer house connection stoppages, addressing sewer main overflows, and locating clean-outs on properties. The department's swift response helps minimize the impact of sewer emergencies and ensures the timely restoration of essential services.

Furthermore, DEPS undertakes proactive initiatives to prevent sewage system damage. The Fats, Oils, and Grease (FOG) program educates the public about proper grease disposal methods, such as pouring oils and greases into containers for trash disposal or using coffee grounds or kitty litter to absorb oil. By providing such guidance, DEPS aims to reduce pipeline blockages and overflows caused by grease build-ups, contributing to the overall maintenance of the sewage system.

In conclusion, the Department of Environmental Protection and Sustainability in Baltimore County actively monitors and safeguards water quality through various programs and initiatives. By closely supervising recreational water, providing information on water usage, responding to emergencies, and promoting preventive measures, DEPS ensures the availability of safe and sustainable water resources for the county's residents and visitors.

Causes of high water usage: leaking pipes, dripping faucets, etc

High water usage can be caused by a variety of issues, some more obvious than others. One of the most common causes of high water usage is leaking pipes. This can occur due to a variety of factors, such as old age, corrosion, or damage. Even a small leak can lead to a significant amount of water loss over time, so it is important to regularly check your pipes for any signs of leakage.

Another common cause of high water usage is dripping faucets. A dripping faucet is often caused by a worn-out or damaged washer or seal inside the faucet assembly, which fails to create a watertight seal, allowing water to leak out. This can range from a few gallons to several gallons of water lost per day, leading to hundreds of gallons wasted over time. Dripping faucets can also be caused by issues with the O-ring, valve seat, or water pressure.

Toilets can also be a source of high water usage, especially if they are leaking. A leaking toilet can waste about 200 gallons of water per day, which is over 72,000 gallons a year! This can add up to a significant increase in your water bill, as well as a waste of a valuable resource.

Other causes of high water usage can include broken water meters, faulty appliances, or even over-watering your lawn or garden. It is important to regularly check your water-using appliances and fixtures to ensure they are functioning properly and to address any issues as soon as possible.

If you suspect high water usage, it is recommended to review your water bills and compare them to previous periods. A sudden increase in your water bill could indicate a problem. Additionally, you can check for signs of leakage, such as damp spots, water stains, or the sound of running water when no appliances are in use.

Water bills and charges

Baltimore City is responsible for the water service in Baltimore County, and issues the water bills. The Baltimore County Government website provides information on water and sewer service charges and fees.

The sewer service charge is an annual user fee billed on the July 1 Property Tax bill. It is based on the volume of water consumed during the prior calendar year, from January 1 to December 31, and is reported by the Baltimore City Bureau of Water and Wastewater. The charge is assessed to recover the cost of treatment and transportation of wastewater. It is calculated based on the number of units of water used in a quarterly period, with one unit equalling 100 cubic feet of water, or 748 gallons. For a family of four, the average Sewer Service charge is $1,223.00 per year, based on 156 units of water used.

Properties with private wells and properties with a master water meter serving multiple units may be charged based on plumbing fixture rates. Baltimore County also charges those on well and public sewer based on the number of plumbing fixtures on the property. The permit obtained when these fixtures were installed is the basis for this charge.

The water distribution charge is a flat annual fee billed alongside the sewer charge on the July 1 Property Tax bill. This charge provides funds for repairs and maintenance of major facilities, such as pumping stations, transmission mains, and storage facilities. The charge is determined by the size of the meter servicing the property, with rates varying based on the property type.

The water and sewer benefit assessments are levied on all properties within the Metropolitan District to recover the construction costs of installing water and sewer mains. These charges are included in the annual July 1 Property Tax bill and are paid over a 40-year period. The charges are based on the average width of the property.

The water and sewer property connection charge is based on the actual cost of connecting the property to the water or sewer main. This charge varies depending on the size of the water meter, with a larger meter resulting in a higher charge. The sewer systems connection charge is $875, while the water systems connection charge is $575.

The Baltimore County Government website also provides information on water issues, including billing, rates, and changes to your account. For billing and rate inquiries, Baltimore City can be contacted at 410-396-5398, and water bills can be looked up and paid online.

Additionally, Blue Water Baltimore, a member of the international Waterkeeper Alliance, is dedicated to protecting and restoring Baltimore's watershed. They collect and synthesize tens of thousands of individual data points to score the health of the region's waterways, and they issue a yearly Water Quality Report Card to inform residents and policymakers about local trends in water quality.

Water alerts, advisories, and closings

The Baltimore County Department of Health, Environmental Health Services (EHS) is responsible for monitoring and sampling beach areas for water quality, posting sampling results, and issuing beach closure notices, Water Contact Alerts, and Water Quality Advisories.

Water Contact Alerts are issued when recreational water conditions exceed standards and sewage contamination is suspected or evident. Sampling will occur, and the results will be posted online. If necessary, public bathing beaches will be closed. Contaminated conditions can be caused by stormwater runoff from severe storms, sanitary sewage overflows, or marine accidents. Local wind and tide conditions after storms can also cause the re-intensification of contaminated conditions in tidal waters.

A Water Quality Advisory is issued when water quality parameters are generally elevated or abnormal, but no sewage contamination is present. At the time of writing, a Water Quality Advisory is in effect for Old Road Bay and Patapsco River - East until further notice.

Recreational water users are advised to be observant for cloudy or discolored water in streams, rivers, or the bay, and for waters that are laden with debris. They are also reminded not to drink stream water and to avoid contact with potentially contaminated water if they have open cuts or bandaged wounds. If accidental contact occurs, users should wash any damaged skin areas as soon as possible. It is also recommended to minimize hand-to-mouth contact and wash hands thoroughly before eating.

Baltimore County has also launched an online Water Quality Dashboard, allowing the public to review waterway monitoring data from chemical and bacteria samples collected by the Department of Environmental Protection and Sustainability (DEPS). This dashboard provides up-to-date information about the health of the county's waterways and is updated at least quarterly. It is important to note that the data on the dashboard is not real-time and does not indicate the potential safety of swimming or other water recreation on any given day.

Preventing sewage system damage

Sanitary Sewer Maintenance:

• Avoid disposing of grease down the sink or toilet. Grease can solidify and cause blockages. Instead, pour grease into an empty can and dispose of it in the trash after it hardens.
• Use sink strainers to catch food scraps, and dispose of them in the garbage. Food particles, coffee grounds, and certain grains like rice can build up and clog the sewer trap.
• Only flush toilet paper. Do not flush solid waste, disposable diapers, personal hygiene products, or wet wipes. Provide trash receptacles in bathrooms to encourage proper disposal of these items.
• Never connect floor drains, drain tiles, downspouts, or sump pumps to the sewer line, as this can cause sewage backup.
• Map your sewer lines and avoid planting deep-rooted landscaping near the sewer laterals. Trim tree roots regularly to prevent penetration and damage to the sewer lines.
• Install a cleanout to easily access and clear any blockages in the line.

Storm Drain Maintenance:

• Recycle yard waste instead of raking or blowing it into the street, as it can enter storm sewers and cause backups.
• Install a sump pump to remove water from the building's foundation.
• Consider a battery-powered backup sump pump in case of power outages during storms.
• Install a backflow prevention device to stop raw sewage from backing up into the building's drainage system from an overloaded main sewer line.

Basement Maintenance:

• Keep valuable items off the floor and consider storing important documents and valuables outside the basement.
• Choose flooring that is not susceptible to water damage, such as ceramic tile.
• Ensure exterior basement doors are adequately caulked and weather-stripped to prevent water penetration from surface runoff.

Additionally, practice good water hygiene and fix any leaking pipes, running toilets, or dripping faucets to reduce water usage and the risk of sewage backups. Regular maintenance and inspections at least twice a year can help identify potential issues and prevent costly sewage system damage.

Frequently asked questions