Baltimore water supply officials will begin drawing water from the Susquehanna River on October 5 as drought continues to reduce reservoir levels. The additional supply is intended to protect existing reserves while the region waits for sustained rainfall, Baltimore Chronicle reports.
The Baltimore City Department of Public Works plans to blend Susquehanna River water with water from Loch Raven Reservoir. The combined supply will then undergo standard treatment and testing at the Montebello water treatment plants. WMAR-2 News reported the October 5 start date.
Why Baltimore is turning to the Susquehanna River
Persistent dry weather has pushed reservoir levels lower across the Baltimore region. Recent rainfall has not been enough to reverse the broader decline.
The Susquehanna River serves as a backup source during drought conditions. Baltimore has infrastructure that can move river water toward the Montebello treatment system when reservoir storage becomes strained.
The plan is expected to:
- preserve more water in Baltimore’s existing reservoirs;
- supplement supplies serving the Montebello system;
- maintain drinking water service during prolonged drought;
- reduce pressure on Loch Raven and related reservoir storage.
The river water does not bypass normal treatment. DPW says it will receive the same filtration, treatment and testing required for the existing supply.
Which Baltimore customers could receive blended water
Customers served by the Montebello plants are the most likely to receive the blended supply. That includes sections of Baltimore City and Baltimore County.
Areas supplied through the Liberty system are not expected to receive Susquehanna River water under the current plan.
| Water system | Expected supply |
|---|---|
| Montebello system | Loch Raven and Susquehanna blend |
| East Baltimore service areas | Blended water possible |
| Parts of Baltimore County | Blended water possible |
| Liberty system | Susquehanna blend not expected |
DPW officials say the treated water will remain suitable for drinking, cooking and bathing. Some customers could notice minor differences in taste, odor or appearance because river water contains different natural materials.
How long will Baltimore use Susquehanna River water?
There is no fixed end date. The duration will depend mainly on rainfall and reservoir levels.
Baltimore can use the Susquehanna supply to slow depletion of its reservoirs. It cannot replace the rainfall needed to restore them.
Residents are therefore still being asked to conserve water. Shorter showers, repairing leaks and limiting unnecessary outdoor water use can reduce demand while drought conditions persist.
The city will continue monitoring reservoir storage and water quality as the supplemental supply enters the system.
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