 
Susquehanna Water: What Baltimore Residents Need to Know
DPW prepares to use supplemental water source as drought conditions continue
Baltimore City and the surrounding region remain in drought conditions, which are resulting in continued declining water levels in the City’s reservoirs.
Beginning in late September or early October, the Baltimore City Department of Public Works (DPW) is preparing to begin using water from the Susquehanna River to supplement water from the City reservoirs.
Susquehanna water will be blended with water from the City’s reservoirs before the raw water is treated and conveyed for customer use. River water, by nature, carries higher sediment and organic material compared to water from reservoirs; therefore, customers may notice some taste or color differences between the Susquehanna and reservoir water. However, blending the Susquehanna and reservoir water should mean minimal differences, if any at all.
What DPW is doing now
DPW is taking steps to protect the City’s water supply as drought conditions continue.
On Tuesday, September 1, 2026, DPW closed the Prettyboy Reservoir boat ramp to trailered boat launching and retrieval because declining water levels have created difficult conditions for vehicles and trailers.
Voluntary water restrictions remain in effect
If conditions continue to worsen, mandatory water-use restrictions may become necessary. Preparing to use Susquehanna water does not eliminate the need for conservation or prevent mandatory restrictions if reservoir levels continue to decline.
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Rain is needed to restore our reservoirs
The City’s primary water supply comes from rainfall and snowmelt collected in the Liberty, Loch Raven and Prettyboy reservoirs.
The Susquehanna River provides an additional source of water during drought, but meaningful rainfall is needed to restore reservoir levels and improve drought conditions.
Who may receive Susquehanna water?
The blended water will primarily serve areas supplied by the Montebello water treatment plants, including parts of eastern Baltimore City and Baltimore County.
Residents supplied by the Liberty system, including western Baltimore City and parts of Howard County, are not expected to receive Susquehanna water.
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What might residents notice?
Because the Susquehanna water will be blended with the City’s existing reservoir water, residents are not expected to notice a significant change in their drinking water.
The change in water source will not affect the safety of the City’s drinking water. DPW uses rigorous testing and treatment processes to ensure water meets drinking water standards.
Some residents may notice a minor change in taste or odor. DPW will continue monitoring water quality as the supplemental source is introduced.
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When will Susquehanna be used?
DPW anticipates beginning to divert water from the Susquehanna in late September or early October, depending on reservoir conditions.
How long the City uses Susquehanna water will depend on rainfall, reservoir recovery and overall water-supply conditions.
Please continue conserving water
Every drop saved helps protect our regional water supply.
Please continue to:
• Avoid lawn and garden watering.
• Avoid washing cars, boats and outdoor surfaces.
• Repair leaking faucets, hoses and fixtures.
• Run full loads in dishwashers and washing machines.
• Take shorter showers and turn off the tap when brushing your teeth.
Stay Informed
DPW will continue providing updates as drought conditions evolve and the City prepares to begin using Susquehanna water.
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