BALTIMORE CITY, MARYLAND

EXECUTIVE BRANCH

PUBLIC WORKS

ORIGIN & FUNCTIONS

[photo, Dept. of Public Works facility, Canton Waterfront Park, 3001 Boston St., Baltimore, Maryland]

DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS

In Baltimore City, the Department of Public Works originated in 1854 as the Water Department. It reformed in 1925 as the Department of Public Works.

The Department supervises all public works made by or for the City or any City agency. All plans and specifications for these public works, including those involving engineering questions, must be submitted to the Director of Public Works for approval. Responsible for the construction, maintenance, and repair of the City's public works, the Department has charge of their construction, demolition, alteration, operation, and maintenance.

Department of Public Works facility, Canton Waterfront Park, 3001 Boston St., Baltimore, Maryland, October 2016. Photo by Sarah A. Hanks.

Under the Department's purview also is the City's water supply, street cleaning, sewage, and solid waste services. In addition, at the request of a City agency, the Department tests materials and supplies purchased or used by the agency (City Charter, Art. VII, secs. 27-42).

In addition to the Bureau of Solid Waste and the Bureau of Water and Wastewater, the Department oversees nine offices: Asset Management; Compliance and Research; Engineering and Construction; Fiscal Affairs; Legal and Regulatory Affairs; Legislative Affairs; Strategy and Performance; Sustainable Energy; and Special Projects.

OFFICE OF COMPLIANCE & RESEARCH
The Office of Compliance and Research started as the Office of Compliance and Laboratories. When its responsibilities for laboratories transferred to the Bureau of Water and Wastewater, the Office assumed its present name in August 2020.

OFFICE OF SUSTAINABLE ENERGY
The Office of Sustainable Energy originated as the Energy Office within the Bureau of General Services under the Department of Public Works. In July 2009, when the Bureau reformed as the Department of General Services, the Office was renamed the Energy Division. In 2014, the Energy Division transferred to the Department of Public Works, and was renamed the Office of Sustainable Energy.

For the City, the Office conducts energy-efficiency initiatives.

[photo, Dept. of Public Works trash skimmer boat, Canton Waterfront Park, Baltimore, Maryland] BUREAU OF SOLID WASTE
The Bureau of Solid Waste has charge of waste disposal; the construction, operation, and maintenance of all drains, sewers, and sewage disposal facilities; and the inspection or supervision of sewer or drain construction and repair work.

Street cleaning, and the collection, disposal, and recycling of garbage, ashes, refuse, trash, and other waste matter also are among the Bureau's duties.

The Bureau collects residential trash and recycling. It cleans City streets, alleys, and public lots. By appointment, bulk trash items are picked up. The Bureau. also conducts Citywide cleanups, and coordinates special recycling programs. A fleet of boats designed to keep the City Harbor clean is maintained by the Bureau.

Department of Public Works trash skimmer boat, Canton Waterfront Park, Baltimore, Maryland, October 2016. Photo by Sarah A. Hanks.

[photo, Patapsco Wastewater Treatment Plant, Wagners Point, 3501 Asiatic Ave., Baltimore, Maryland] BUREAU OF WATER & WASTEWATER
In 1854, the Bureau of Water and Wastewater started as the Water Department. When the Department of Public Works was created in 1925, the Water Department reformed as the Bureau of Water Supply under the Department of Public Works. In 1979, it reorganized as the Bureau of Water and Wastewater.


Patapsco Wastewater Treatment Plant, Wagners Point, 3501 Asiatic Ave., Baltimore, Maryland, May 2008. Photo by Diane F. Evartt.

[photo, Loch Raven Reservoir, Baltimore County, Maryland] The Bureau has charge of the City water supply and of all related properties, reservoirs, streams, pumping and filtration stations, pipes, apparatus, and equipment. It operates three reservoir watersheds: Loch Raven Reservoir, Liberty Reservoir, and Pretty Boy Reservoir. Three water filtration plants - Montebello I and II, and Ashburton - also are run by the Bureau. In addition, the Bureau is responsible for two wastewater treatment plants: Back River Wastewater Treatment Plant, and Patapsco Wastewater Treatment Plant.


Loch Raven Reservoir, Baltimore County, Maryland, May 2015. Photo by Sarah A. Hanks.

Low-Income Water Assistance Program. For households with delinquent water bills or turn-off notices, the Low-Income Water Assistance Program may be able to help. Applications are made through the Baltimore Community Action Centers.

Senior Citizen Water Discount Program. The Bureau administers the Senior Citizen Water Discount Program for City residents, aged 65 or older whose annual household gross income is under $25,000. Qualifying seniors receive a 39% discount on their quarterly bill for water, stormwater and sewer rates.

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