Overview
- Baltimore’s Department of Public Works began drawing Susquehanna River water and sending it to the Montebello treatment plants to supplement low reservoir supplies on Monday.
- City crews are pumping river water through the Deer Creek station, sending roughly 30 million gallons per day over about 39 miles to Montebello, where it is flushed, blended with Loch Raven water, treated, and tested.
- Officials say the blended water will meet federal and state drinking-water standards and be safe for drinking, bathing, and cooking, though some customers may notice minor changes in taste, odor, or color.
- The change primarily affects customers served by the Montebello plants in east Baltimore and parts of Baltimore County; areas on the Liberty system are not expected to receive Susquehanna water.
- A voluntary conservation request remains in effect and officials say the length of time the city uses the river will depend on future rainfall and reservoir recovery, a step intended to preserve stored supply.