Because of on-going drought conditions in Baltimore City, water levels in the city’s reservoirs have continued to decline. As a result, the Baltimore City Department of Public Works (DPW) is preparing to supplement it with water from the Susquehanna River. Beginning in late September or ea rly October, Susquehanna water will be blended with water from city reservoirs, then treated and sent out for residential use. River water naturally contains more sediment and organic material compounds than water from reservoirs, so the water coming out of the faucet might look or taste slightly different. DPW expects, however, that blending the water before treatment will result in minimal differences, if any. In July, the department conducted testing to ensure the emergency water supply system was working in the event of a drought. That time has come. DPW emphasizes that the change in water source will not impact the safety of the drinking water. The department uses rigorous testing and treatment process to ensure the water meets drinking standards and will keep monitoring quality for as long as the additional water source is being used. Residents in eastern Baltimore City and Baltimore County, supplied by the Montebello water treatment plants, will receive the blended water. Residents who are supplied by the Liberty system, which includes western parts of Baltimore City and Howard County, will likely not receive water from the Susquehanna. Low water levels have already forced the closing of the Prettyboy Reservoir boat ramp to trailered boat launching and retrieval. That restriction went into effect on Sept. 1. As of now, other water restrictions are voluntary, but if conditions worsen, mandatory restrictions may become necessary. Conservation of water is still necessary. The city’s main water supply comes from rainfall and snowmelt collected in the Liberty, Loch Raven and Prettyboy reservoirs. Water from the Susquehanna is only used during periods of drought. Significant rainfall is needed to restore reservoirs to their normal levels. Until then, DPW asks residents to conserve water by avoiding activities like lawn- and garden-watering, and car-washing. In addition, repair leaking faucets, hoses, and fixtures, make sure dishwashers and washing machines are full before running them, take shorter showers, and turn off the tap when brushing your teeth. ...read more read less