What is the Water Access Program?

The Department of Housing and Community Development has partnered with the Water Department to give site stewards of both City and privately owned community open space the ability to access water for their site for a flat rate of $120 for each growing season (March 1st through November 1st). Please be aware that the $120 will not be prorated and that should be taken into consideration when submitting an application. 

To apply for water access, you will be required to complete the Water Access Application on our new, interactive site and submit the water access fee. Once your application is reviewed, a Water Access Agreement will be emailed to you. You must return your signed agreementin order for the service request for access to be submitted.   

If water is available, the inspector will install a device that you can connect a hose to and will contact you to provide instructions on how to use it.  If water access is not available, your $120 payment will be refunded to you within 90 days.

How does the new, interactive site work?

Option A

1. Search by property address

2. Add the lot(s) to your "cart"

Option B

1. Select Water Access under "Programs"

2. Use the various spatial tools to identify a lot you would like to bring water to

3. Add the lot(s) to your "cart"

After the lots have been added to your cart

1. Open your cart

2. Select "Apply" and complete the application and submit your $120 payment. 

What do I do if I have questions or concerns about my Water Access Application?

If you have any questions, please contact us at 410-396-4111 or email DevelopmentInfo@baltimorecity.gov and your question will be routed appropriately.

Community Managed Open Space Resource Links

• City Farms Program: https://bcrp.baltimorecity.gov/special-programs/farms

A program thru Recreation & Parks that offers garden plots for rent (small fee) to City residents and employees located in city parks. Some supplies and Community Liaison support provided.

• Community Law Center’s Urban Agriculture Law Project: http://communitylaw.org/urbanagriculturelawproject/

A blog and online manual provided by The Community Law Center, explaining legal concepts that affect urban agriculture including nuisance abatement.

• Baltimore Green Network: https://planning.baltimorecity.gov/green-network-plan or https://www.baltimoresustainability.org/projects/baltimore-green-network/

A collective plan created with an interconnected network of greenspaces throughout the City, helping to strengthen communities through greening efforts.

IMPORTANT DATES

First Week of February  -  Garden Season Opens!  Start Submitting Applications

First Week of October   -  Last week to submit water access and Adopt-A-Lot applications

First Week of November  -  Garden Season Ends!  Applications for water access are not accepted. Existing water connections will be disconnected until next season.