Frequently Asked Questions
- My water is discolored. Why is this happening and who should I call?
- Who should I call about my water bill or water service?
- Who should I call to report a broken water main?
- How do I petition the County to improve the public facilities in my community?
- My basement floods from water or sewage backing up, who can help me?
- How can I find out if public water and/or sewer is available in a particular area?
- How can I have the water service account put in our name at our new home?
- Who do I call to use a fire hydrant?
Q. My water is discolored. Why is this happening and who should I call?
A. All water mains installed prior to 1957 are unlined cast iron pipe. Through the years corrosion has accumulated within the pipe which breaks loose from time to time during heavy water usage conditions. If discoloration occurs at the house the homeowner should run the water for approximately one hour to clear the line between the meter and the house. If this is unsuccessful, the Water Maintenance Division in Baltimore City should be contacted at 410-396-5352. They will come to the area and flush the discolored water from the public mains under the street.
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Q. Who should I call about my water bill or water service?
A. Call the Water Billing Section in Baltimore City at 410-396-5398.
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Q. Who should I call to report a broken water main?
A. Call the Baltimore City Water Maintenance Division at 410-396-5352.
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Q. How do I get public water in my street?
A. Please contact the Baltimore County Metropolitan Finance and Petition Office at 410-887-3363.
Q. How do I petition the County to improve the public facilities in my community?
A. This is a function of the Metropolitan Finance and Petitions Division. They should be contacted if you are interested in a water extension. To contact them, you may call 410-887-3363
Q. My basement floods from water or sewage backing up, who can help ?
A. Maintenance of the underground utilities owned by Baltimore County is provided by the Bureau of Utilities. To contact them between 6:30 am and 4:00 pm call 410-887-7415. To contact them between 4:00 pm and 6:30 am call 410-887-5210. If you are reporting a water main break, you need to call Baltimore City at 410-396-5352.
Q. How can I find out if public water and/or sewer is available in a particular area?
A. To find out of water or sewer is available for a particular address, contact the Metropolitan Finance and Petitions office at 410-887-2430. To connect to the public water or sewer system, contact the Department of Permits and Development Management at 410-887-3614.
Q. How can I have the water service account put in our name at our new home?
A. Contact Baltimore City at 410-396-5533.
Q. Who do I call to use a fire hydrant?
A. To use a fire hydrant to fill swimming pools, irrigate landscaping, or wash down construction sites, you must obtain a permit (PDF) from Baltimore County. There is a standard procedure to maintain the permit and a fee is charged by the County. For more information, you may contact the Bureau of Utilities at 410-887-1885.
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Revised April 30, 2009
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