Baltimore Landscaper Cited for Unauthorized Hydrant Use
The city is investigating Carter Landscaping for drawing water from a fire hydrant without the required permit.
Updated on Oct. 1, 2026 in Landscaping
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The Baltimore Department of Public Works is investigating Carter Landscaping after the company admitted to accessing a fire hydrant without a permit. The firm used the hydrant to fill water tanks for city tree maintenance.
Why it matters
The unauthorized use of fire hydrants threatens municipal water pressure and safety, particularly while the city has been requesting voluntary water conservation efforts since the spring of 2026.
Carter Landscaping, which has operated in the city for 16 years, confirmed it used the fire hydrant at Barclay and East 26th streets to support its contract for planting and maintaining 600 trees throughout Baltimore.
The players
Baltimore Department of Public Works
This city agency manages the municipal water supply and enforces regulations regarding access to public fire hydrants.
Carter Landscaping
This local business has provided tree planting and maintenance services in the city for the past 16 years.
David Carter
He is the owner of Carter Landscaping and is currently navigating the regulatory process to obtain a proper hydrant permit.
The details
A worker for the landscaping firm used a tool to open the hydrant and fill a water tank on multiple Saturdays. The company is now attempting to secure the necessary permit through the Department of Public Works to resume its operations.
Timeline
Voluntary water conservation requests began in spring 2026.
The unauthorized water extraction occurred on Saturdays.
Roadmap
This incident highlights the tension between private contractors and municipal infrastructure management in urban environments. It illustrates how city regulations act as a critical control mechanism for public utilities during periods of conservation.
Local residents in Harwood may experience temporary fluctuations in water pressure if illegal hydrant access continues to be unchecked. The investigation serves as a reminder that all municipal infrastructure usage requires proper city authorization to protect public resources.
The takeaway
Commercial entities must secure proper city permits before tapping into public water lines to avoid legal consequences and protect community resources. Business owners should verify all local utility regulations before beginning maintenance work in public spaces.
Further reading
For more on how city maintenance and property standards are managed, see the Landscaping section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by WBAL.
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