Exposure to raw sewage from failing infrastructure can lead to health issues and distress, especially in marginalized urban communities. Sanitary sewer overflows (SSOs) that release untreated sewage affect cities worldwide, with up to 75,000 occurrences annually in the U.S. Baltimore frequently experiences SSOs and basement backups due to aging sewer systems, exposing communities to pathogens, including antibiotic-resistant (AR) bacteria. No comprehensive studies have evaluated exposure to these pathogens or infrastructure damage impacts. The Water Emergency Team (WET) addresses these gaps by responding to SSOs in underserved African American communities in Baltimore. WET conducts inspections, surveys, and sample analyses for AR bacteria, reporting findings to the community. Collaborating with local organizations, WET aims to empower communities and inform policymakers, highlighting infrastructure challenges exacerbated by climate change.
