Water

We ask Richard Luna, interim head of Baltimore’s Department of Public Works, about his agency's work to address outdated water and sewage pipes, the federal consent decree and more.

We go On the Record to discuss the future of Baltimore city’s water and sewage system. A task force is seeking to modernize its governance. Advocates are concerned the city could lose control over the sprawling system, with terrible consequences for Baltimore ratepayers.

The announcement signals that Waterfront Partnership of Baltimore is one-step closer to its ultimate goal: a fully swimmable and fishable harbor.

With that settlement, the city will also enter into a consent decree that includes a timeline for repairs and upgrades at both the Patapsco and Back River wastewater treatment facilities.

The 13-member work group learned about five different governance models then voted to consider three.

The parasite was detected in the lowest levels that tests can register.

City officials say there is a low risk of infection for most people.

One of the ideas being floated is changing the governance structure to a Regional Water Authority.

Much of the meeting was spent reviewing the history of the service agreement that has the city and county sharing a drinking water and sanitary sewer system.

Baltimore will soon have an official network of water trails to take in the city’s sights by canoe, kayak or stand-up paddleboard.