Because of ongoing drought conditions, water levels in Baltimore City’s reservoirs have dropped sharply. To protect the city’s water supply, the Baltimore City Department of Public Works (DPW) announced it will start blending water from the Susquehanna River with water from the city’s reservoirs beginning in late September or early October.
How the blending will work
River water will be combined with reservoir water before entering the treatment system. While river water naturally contains more sediment and organic material than reservoir water, DPW says the blending process, followed by rigorous treatment, should result in minimal differences in taste or appearance at the tap.
Safety and monitoring
DPW emphasized that the change in source will not affect the safety of drinking water. The department conducts extensive testing to ensure water meets all drinking‑water standards and will continue to monitor quality for as long as the Susquehanna water is used.
Who will receive the blended water
Residents in eastern Baltimore City and Baltimore County who are served by the Montebello water‑treatment plants will receive the blended water. Those supplied by the Liberty system—including western parts of Baltimore City and Howard County—are expected to continue receiving water solely from the city’s reservoirs.
Current water‑use restrictions
Low water levels have already forced the closure of the Prettyboy Reservoir boat ramp to trailered boat launching and retrieval, a restriction that took effect on Sept. 1. At present, water‑use restrictions remain voluntary, but DPW warned that mandatory restrictions could be imposed if conditions worsen.
Conservation reminders
DPW urged residents to continue conserving water by limiting lawn and garden watering, avoiding car washes, fixing leaky faucets, running dishwashers and washing machines only when full, taking shorter showers, and turning off the tap while brushing teeth.
Long‑term outlook
The city’s primary water supply comes from rainfall and snowmelt collected in the Liberty, Loch Raven, and Prettyboy reservoirs. The Susquehanna River is used only as an emergency source during droughts. Significant precipitation will be needed to restore reservoir levels to normal.
DPW’s proactive testing in July confirmed the emergency water‑supply system is ready for activation. As the city moves forward with the blending plan, officials remain confident that residents will continue to receive safe, reliable drinking water while the drought persists.
Original reporting: Baltimore Fishbowl — read the source article.
