Baltimore City Taps Susquehanna River to Bolster Water Supply Amid Drought
Baltimore City has started drawing water from the Susquehanna River to supplement its water supply due to ongoing drought conditions affecting its main reservoirs. This supplemental water, approximately 30 million gallons daily, will be blended with reservoir water, treated, and…
Baltimore, MD, October 5, 2026 — Baltimore City has initiated a new water sourcing strategy, drawing water from the Susquehanna River to augment its primary water supply. This measure comes in response to persistent drought conditions that have impacted the city’s main reservoirs.
The supplemental water intake from the Susquehanna River is set to contribute approximately 30 million gallons per day to the city’s overall water system. Officials state this water will undergo a rigorous treatment process to ensure it meets established drinking water standards before being distributed to residents.
As part of the blending process, the Susquehanna River water will be combined with water drawn from the city’s existing reservoirs. Comprehensive treatment and testing protocols are in place to purify the water. While the city aims to maintain water quality, residents may observe minor alterations in the taste, smell, or color of their tap water due to the introduction of this new source.
The decision to draw from the Susquehanna River highlights the ongoing challenges posed by drought in the region and the proactive steps taken by Baltimore City to ensure a reliable water supply for its population.
Story summarized from the original created by Caroline Foreback on www.cbsnews.com, see more information here.
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