Public Works Frequently Asked Questions

Director of Public Works
Larry F. Parks
410-939-1800 x1107
larryp@havredegracemd.com

Secretary II
Laurie Dawson
410-939-1800 x-1130
lauried@havredegracemd.com

Is it o.k. to flush any type of wet wipes (i.e. baby wipes, cleaning wipes) down the toilet?
NO! It is a huge problem! WIPES do not dissolve, even when marketed as "flushable!" WIPES get hung up in the sewer pipes. This causes an immediate problem for the homeowner as it is likely to cause backups in the home or in the city's sewer system. Studies show that flushing wipes is a costly problem for Public Works Departments throughout the country... and is so easily avoidable!

Can I put out a mattress, t.v. or old furniture for trash pick up?
No. Items such as these cannot be put out as regular trash. You do have three options: (1) Take the item(s) to Scarboro Landfill, 3135 Scarboro Rd., Street, MD., (2) Contact a private hauler to pick it up, or (3) dispose of it on the annual Fall or Spring Clean-up Days.

Where can I dispose of motor oil and/or anti-freeze?
The City of Havre de Grace provides a drop container located at Jerry Foster Way. The container is available to you 24 hours a day. Directions: Revolution Street to Seneca Ave., right on Wilson St, right on Jerry Foster Way.

Where can I dispose of paint cans?
Aerosol cans may go out with regular trash. Cans of paint are a bit trickier. Wet paint cannot go into the trash. However, if the paint inside the can is dry, then it can go out in the regular trash. Make sure the lid is off. If the paint inside the can is still wet, remove the lid, allow the air to dry the paint, or you can pour the paint into sand or kitty litter to allow to dry. Once the paint is dry, then it can be put out with the regular trash.

If I happen to have discolored water coming from my faucet, what is the cause and how is it corrected?
The cause could be: Hydrant flushing, exercising water valves in your area, or a sign of a water leak. If this occurs, call us to verify that City work is being done in your area. If we are doing work, you may be advised to run the cold water faucet until the water flows clear. If we are not doing work in the area, we will come out to check for water main leaks and advise you from there. If the problem occurs after regular work hours, please call Havre de Grace Police Department at 410-939-2121.

Where is my sewer clean-out?
Every home should have a sewer clean-out (see photo to the right) located on the property, but some older homes may not. Is it important to know its location. Walk around your property to look for this PVC pipe or it may be brass. Do not plant bushes or flowers to conceal it, as the City may need access to it in times of back-up problems.

How can I tell if a tree is my responsibility or the City's?
In the downtown or "old town" part of Havre de Grace, the City trees are those located within 35 ft of the center of the road. In the newer sections of Havre de Grace, City trees are those located within 25 ft of the center of the road. Any tree located beyond the stated footage is the responsibility of the homeowner.

When in doubt, please give us a call at City Hall: DPW at 410-939-1800 x 1130.