Harford County Health Department Services & Public Health Information
8/12/26: This is an update regarding the July 29th sewage overflow event: Based on water sampling results collected on August 10th, the Harford County Health Department has advised the Harford County Department of Public Works to extend the posting period until August 20th for the signage placed between the pipe failure location and Wheel Road. Any signage placed downstream of Wheel Road may now be removed.
At this time, out of an abundance of caution, the Health Department is recommending that the public continue to avoid contact with the water at the specified locations. We will continue monitoring water quality and update the Department of Public Works and the public as appropriate.
8/5/26: Due to the July 29th sewage overflow event as well as the significant rain over the past week and associated stormwater runoff, the Harford County Health Department has advised the Harford County Department of Public Works to extend the posting period for the signage placed along Bynum Run and its tributaries.
At this time, out of an abundance of caution, the Health Department is recommending that the public continue to avoid contact with the water through August 13. We will continue monitoring water quality and update the Department of Public Works and the public as appropriate.
LAST UPDATE 7/30/26 6:30pm: On July 29th, at approximately 2:50PM, the Harford County Health Department was notified of a sanitary sewer overflow affecting Bynum Run in the area of Sunny View Road in Bel Air, MD. Per the Harford County Department of Public Works, the overflow was resolved on July 30th at approximately 2:30AM. An estimated 750,000 gallons of raw sewage were released. Cleanup efforts are well underway and signage regarding the overflow has been posted.
Please be advised to avoid physical contact with the water in the tributary flowing into Bynum Run, 800 feet upstream from E. Ring Factory Rd, and all locations downstream within Bynum Run for the next 7 days.
Any contact with natural bodies of water contains some element of risk. The risk changes depending on water flow, weather conditions, and other environmental factors.
For questions regarding the overflow, please contact the Harford County Department of Public Works, Division of Water & Sewer, at 410-638-3300.
UPDATE 7/30/26 11:30am: The Health Department was notified that the overflow ended at 2:30am on July 30, 2026. The ground has been limed to disinfect the area and signage has been posted. Please be advised to avoid physical contact with the water in the tributary flowing into Bynum Run, 800 ft upstream from E. Ring Factory Rd, and all locations downstream within Bynum Run. Even after the signage has been removed, all contact with natural bodies of water contains some element of risk. The risk changes depending on water flow, weather conditions, and other environmental factors. Final overflow volume will be provided as more details become available.
The Health Department was notified on Wednesday, July 29, 2026, of a sanitary sewer overflow (SSO) affecting Bynum Run in the area of Sunny View Road in Bel Air. Cleanup efforts are underway; final overflow volume and additional updates will be provided as more information becomes available. For questions, please contact the Harford County Department of Public Works, Division of Water & Sewer, at 410-638-3300.
