For the first time in more than two decades, Baltimore City is turning to the Susquehanna River to supplement its drinking water. Persistent drought has pushed the water elevations at the city’s two main reservoirs—Prettyboy and Loch Raven—well below normal levels.
Reservoir levels trigger emergency draw
The Baltimore City Department of Public Works (DPW) reports the current elevation at Prettyboy Reservoir sits at 494.77 feet, while Loch Raven is at 235.79 feet. Those figures are markedly lower than the seasonal averages that typically sustain the city’s water needs.
To ease the strain, DPW will withdraw roughly 30 million gallons of water each day from the Susquehanna River. The water will travel about 39 miles to the Montebello Water Treatment Plants, where it will be blended with the city’s reservoir water before distribution.
What the blend means for residents
According to DPW, the Susquehanna water contains a higher total suspended solids content than the reservoir water. To address this, the first step will be to route the river water to a wash lake at the Montebello filtration plant. There, sediment will be flushed out before the water undergoes the standard blending and treatment process.
Customers served by the Montebello system—including residents of eastern Baltimore City and Baltimore County—can expect the river water to make up about 20 % to 40 % of the water flowing from their taps. The department anticipates any changes in taste, odor, or color to be minimal, if noticeable at all.
Conservation urged, restrictions remain voluntary
While the city does not anticipate mandatory water restrictions at this time, both Baltimore City and Baltimore County have issued voluntary conservation guidelines. Residents are encouraged to limit lawn watering, avoid washing cars or boats, fix leaky faucets, run dishwashers and washing machines only when full, take shorter showers, and turn off the tap while brushing teeth.
DPW stresses that mandatory restrictions were last imposed in the early 2000s and will only return if reservoir levels fail to recover. The department continues to monitor water elevations closely and will adjust its strategy as conditions evolve.
Looking ahead
The water elevations are naturally lower this time of year, but officials expect them to rise to normal levels before the city can cease drawing from the Susquehanna River. In the meantime, the collaborative effort between the river source and the Montebello treatment facilities demonstrates Baltimore’s commitment to maintaining a reliable water supply for families and businesses alike.
Original reporting: Baltimore Fishbowl — read the source article.
