Baltimore is adding a new ingredient to its drinking water: the Susquehanna River. With drought conditions continuing to strain the city’s reservoirs, Baltimore has turned to the river as a backup water source.
About 30 million gallons of Susquehanna River water a day will travel approximately 39 miles to the Montebello Filtration Plants. There, it will be blended with water from the Prettyboy and Loch Raven reservoirs before being treated and tested.
The change affects customers served by the Montebello plants in East Baltimore and Baltimore County. Some residents may notice a slight difference in the taste, odor or color of their water, although most people are not expected to notice much of a change.
The blended supply is expected to contain between 20% and 40% Susquehanna River water. The river water will go through the treatment and testing process before making its way into local faucets.
Why the river? Baltimore has been dealing with a prolonged drought, and the city remains more than five inches below its normal rainfall level. While recent rain has helped somewhat, sustained rainfall is still needed to restore the water supply.
For now, Baltimore residents can keep drinking their water as usual. And if that morning glass tastes a little different, don't panic. You may simply be getting a taste of the Susquehanna.
This article was independently written by the BJL Newsroom based on reporting from WBAL-TV 11 News and additional published reports.