10-05-2026 4:34am

Susquehanna River

Baltimore County Shares Updated Information as City Prepares to Begin Using Susquehanna River Water

Withdrawals will begin October 5; water will remain safe for drinking, cooking and bathing

TOWSON – The Baltimore County Department of Public Works and Transportation (DPWT) shared updated information from the Baltimore City Department of Public Works (DPW) regarding the use of Susquehanna River water as a supplemental source for the regional drinking water system.

Beginning Monday, October 5, Baltimore City DPW will begin withdrawing water from the Susquehanna River to supplement water from the Prettyboy and Loch Raven reservoirs. The Susquehanna water will be blended with Loch Raven water before being treated and tested at the Montebello water treatment plants.

View the area supply map HERE.

The use of Susquehanna River water is a response to prolonged drought conditions and declining reservoir levels. It is unrelated to the recent diesel fuel leak at the Baltimore County Detention Center, which has not affected the region’s drinking water supply.

The blended water will primarily serve areas supplied by the Montebello plants, including portions of Baltimore County. Areas supplied by the Liberty system are not expected to receive Susquehanna River water.

“Our residents and businesses deserve to know what to expect before this change occurs,” said Baltimore County Executive Kathy Klausmeier. “Baltimore County is working to make sure people have clear, accurate information and can remain confident that their drinking water is safe. We are also asking everyone to continue doing their part to conserve water while these drought conditions continue.”

Baltimore City DPW has stated that the blended water will be treated and tested through the same process used for the existing water supply and will continue to meet federal and state drinking water standards. The water will remain safe for drinking, cooking and bathing.

“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.”

The length of time Susquehanna River water will be used will depend on rainfall, reservoir recovery and overall water-supply conditions. Using the supplemental source will help preserve the region’s stored reservoir supply, but rainfall is still needed to restore reservoir levels.

Baltimore County continues to urge residents and businesses to conserve water by:

Repairing leaking faucets, hoses and fixtures.
Running only full loads in dishwashers and washing machines.
Taking shorter showers and turning off the tap while brushing teeth or shaving.
Postponing lawn and garden watering.
Avoiding washing sidewalks, driveways and other outdoor surfaces.
Limiting the washing of cars, boats and equipment.

Residents can also help by reporting water main breaks and leaks. Baltimore County residents should call 443-263-2220 or 410-396-5352, or submit a report online.

For ongoing updates, visit Baltimore City DPW’s Water Supply Update page and follow Baltimore County DPWT on Facebook, Instagram, X and Nextdoor.