The Baltimore City Department of Public Works (DPW) has activated its Deer Creek Pump Station in northern Harford County to begin withdrawing water from the Susquehanna River as drought conditions continue to reduce levels in the city’s Prettyboy and Loch Raven reservoirs.

Beginning Oct. 5, DPW is withdrawing approximately 30 million gallons per day (MGD) from the river. The water is expected to reach Baltimore’s Montebello Filtration Plants later this week after traveling approximately 39 miles from the Susquehanna River.

Once it reaches the treatment plants, the river water will be directed to a wash lake to flush sediment before being gradually blended with water from the city’s reservoir system. DPW expects Susquehanna River water to account for approximately 20% to 40% of the blended supply.

The city is not switching entirely to Susquehanna River water. The gradual blending is intended to minimize potential changes in taste and odor while maintaining the existing treatment process. DPW said the blended water will continue to undergo the same treatment and testing processes used to ensure compliance with drinking water standards.

The Susquehanna River is used as a supplemental water source during severe drought conditions. Baltimore’s primary supply comes from rainfall and snowmelt captured in the Liberty, Loch Raven and Prettyboy reservoirs.

The blended water will initially serve portions of eastern Baltimore City and Baltimore County supplied by the Montebello Water Treatment Plants. DPW provides drinking water to approximately 1.8 million people across Baltimore City and Baltimore, Howard, Carroll and Harford counties.

Voluntary water conservation measures remain in effect as DPW monitors reservoir levels, rainfall, stream flows and customer demand. The department said mandatory restrictions could be implemented if reservoir levels continue to decline and drought conditions worsen.