Baltimore supplements water supply with Susquehanna River water

Baltimore officials have begun using water from the Susquehanna River as a supplemental source to combat declining reservoir levels caused by ongoing drought conditions. The Baltimore City Department of Public Works plans to blend Susquehanna River water with water from the Loch Raven Reservoir before it undergoes standard treatment and testing at the Montebello water treatment plants.

This measure is intended to preserve existing reserves in reservoirs such as Prettyboy and Loch Raven while the region awaits sustained rainfall. The supplemental supply will primarily serve areas connected to the Montebello treatment plants, including portions of Baltimore City and Baltimore County. Residents served by the Liberty system are not expected to receive the blended water.

Officials noted that some residents might notice slight changes in the taste, smell, or color of their water due to different sediment levels in the river water. However, they emphasized that the water remains safe for drinking, cooking, and bathing, as it will meet all state and federal drinking water standards. Baltimore County continues to urge residents and businesses to practice water conservation.