Baltimore’s Department of Public Works started blending water from the Susquehanna River to supplement water from the Prettyboy and Loch Raven reservoirs amid the ongoing drought affecting Maryland.
The new changes will impact customers receiving water from the Montebello Water Plant in East Baltimore, which serves the eastern part of the city and Baltimore County.
| MAP: See Montebello Treatment Plant supply areas
DPW said the change in the water supply could result in a slight change in taste, odor or color in the water. The Susquehanna serves as Baltimore’s secondary water source, and the city plans to use it due to drought conditions and low water levels in the reservoirs.
Last month, DPW Director Matthew Garbank told WBAL-TV 11 News that while the drought situation is improving, sustained rain is needed to improve the city reservoirs. Baltimore County officials said the changes to the supply will not affect the quality of the water residents consume.
“Most residents are not expected to notice a significant change, although some may notice a minor difference in the water’s taste, odor or color,” said DPWT Director Lauren Buckler. “The treatment and testing requirements remain the same, and we will continue coordinating with Baltimore City and sharing updates so residents and businesses know what to expect.”
Residents are asked to continue conserving water. There is still a voluntary water restriction in effect, so customers are asked to limit water usage, which can include cutting back on watering lawns, taking shorter showers and repairing leaky faucets.
The past few weeks have seen some periods of rain, including a nor’easter that led to the cancellation of the Oceans Calling Festival. Weather data at BWI-Marshall confirms that: during the past three months, the weather station has recorded above normal rain accumulation.
WBAL-TV 11 Weather meteorologist Ava Marie shared that while we have had rainy periods this year, it has not been enough to completely erase the drought.
Baltimore still has a deficit of more than five inches. Ava Marie also said the northern suburbs have been drier than the rest of than the rest of the Baltimore area.
DPW said it activated its Deep Creek Pump Station in Harford County to get water from the Susquehanna to supplement city reservoirs.
The move means that about 30 million gallons per day will be withdrawn from the river to the Montebello Filtration Plants. The process is not immediate; the water will travel 39 miles and is expected to reach the filtration plant later this week, DPW said.
The blended water is expected to contain 20% to 40% river water.
Video below: 11 TV Hill: DPW explains plan to source Susquehanna River water
READ MORE:Baltimore starts Susquehanna River water blending amid drought
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