Baltimore to supplement water supply from Susquehanna River

Baltimore officials are preparing to supplement the city’s drinking water supply with water from the Susquehanna River due to declining reservoir levels caused by prolonged drought conditions. The Baltimore City Department of Public Works expects to begin drawing and blending river water with existing supplies in late September or early October.

Baltimore’s primary water sources are the Liberty, Loch Raven, and Prettyboy reservoirs, which rely on rainfall and snowmelt. Recent data shows the region has received approximately 27.21 inches of rain this year, compared to a normal 32.86 inches, with much of Maryland classified as abnormally dry. This supplemental measure has not been used operationally in about 20 years.

The blended water will primarily serve customers connected to the Lake Montebello water treatment plants, including portions of eastern Baltimore City and Baltimore County. Residents served by the Liberty system, including western Baltimore and parts of Howard and Carroll counties, are not expected to receive Susquehanna water.

While officials state the safety of the drinking water will not be affected, some residents may notice slight changes in taste or color because Susquehanna River water contains higher levels of sediment and organic material than reservoir water. The Department of Public Works continues to urge residents to conserve water, noting that mandatory restrictions could be implemented if reservoir levels continue to fall.