Baltimore Diverted Susquehanna River Water to City Supply

Operators should anticipate potential changes to water quality as the city blends in supplemental river supply.

Updated on Oct. 12, 2026 in Utilities

Baltimore Diverted Susquehanna River Water to City Supply

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Baltimore has begun pumping 30 million gallons of water daily from the Susquehanna River into the municipal system due to recent drought conditions. This blended supply serves approximately 350,000 households through the Lake Montebello filtration plant.

Why it matters

Hot and dry summer weather depleted local reservoirs, including Prettyboy Reservoir, which fell to 50% capacity. The city is using the river supply to maintain operational levels for the municipal utility system.

The city is pumping 30 million gallons of Susquehanna River water daily, which now makes up 20% to 40% of the supply delivered to 350,000 households. This follows a decline in reservoir levels, including Prettyboy Reservoir, which dropped to 50% capacity this summer.

The players

Baltimore

The city government managing the municipal water supply and distribution infrastructure for its residents.

Constellation Energy

A major energy provider that agreed not to charge the city for the water usage associated with this pumping operation.

The details

The city utilizes a 37-mile tunnel to transport water from behind the Conowingo Dam to the Lake Montebello filtration plant. Public works officials blend the river water with existing reservoir stocks prior to the filtration process. Households served by this system may notice fluctuations in the color, smell, or taste of their tap water as the proportion of river water varies.

1960s: The Big Inch pipe was laid.
1999: The city previously pulled water from the river during a drought.
2008: The last time Baltimore pulled water from the river.
October 9, 2026: River water arrived at the filtration plant.

Market Landscape

This action follows the pattern established by the 2008 Baltimore water diversion to supplement reservoir levels during drought. The city is leveraging historical infrastructure, including the 37-mile tunnel, to manage the current 50% capacity deficit at the Prettyboy Reservoir.

Businesses reliant on high-purity water for processing or manufacturing should monitor potential changes in water characteristics following this blend adjustment. Owners should contact their local utility representative if current water parameters impact production quality or equipment maintenance cycles.

The takeaway

The return to river water pumping signals that reservoir levels are insufficient to meet baseline demand without external assistance. Operators should track local weather patterns and public water notices for updates on the duration of this supplemental supply strategy.