Baltimore taps Susquehanna River as drought drives reservoir levels to historic lows

A voluntary water-restriction has been placed on Baltimore City and neighboring Howard, Harford and Carroll counties as drought drives the Prettyboy Reservoir to a 20-year low. The Department of Public Works is responding by introducing water from the Susquehanna River at the Montebello Water Treatment Plant, where it undergoes standard filtration and treatment. About 30 million gallons per day will be drawn, making the river blend roughly 20-40% of the overall supply.

Officials assure the water is safe to drink, though some users may notice minor changes in color, smell or taste. Residents are asked to limit nonessential uses such as lawn watering and long showers while officials monitor rainfall, stream flows and reservoir levels. The city emphasizes that this is a routine emergency measure, not a crisis like Flint.