Baltimore’s Water Supply

The Baltimore City Bureau of Water and Wastewater is responsible for supplying drinking water to 1.6 million people. The water comes from two sources, the Gunpowder Falls and the north branch of the Patapsco River. Three concrete

gravity dams, the Liberty on the Patapsco and the Prettyboy and Loch Raven on the Gunpowder Falls, create reservoirs. Water is brought through a 12-foot tunnel to the Montebello Filtration plant from the Loch Raven Reservoir. If the water level drops, the valves are opened at the Prettyboy Dam, and the water follows the course of the falls to refill Loch Raven. A 10-foot tunnel runs brings the water at the Liberty reservoir to the Ashburton Filtration plant. Both tunnels were constructed through solid rock. In the city's two filtration plants, the water is filtered, disinfected, and fluoridated. Everyday 480 million gallons of water are treated and distributed to the city through 3000 miles of water mains.

Facts and Figures

Directions

Ashburton: in operation since 1956

Montebello: in operation since 1915,

Loch Raven Dam: built 1912 crest: 420 feet above sea level

Prettyboy Dam: built 1936; crest: 520 feet above sea level

Liberty Dam: built 1956 crest: 420 feet above sea level

Prettyboy: On the I-83 take exit 31 and head west.
Liberty: From the Baltimore Beltway take exit 18 on MD 26. It will cross over the reservoir.
Montebello: From the Beltway take Perry Pkwy. (exit 30) south, The plant will be on both sides of the road just before 33rd. St.
Loch Raven: From the Beltway take exit 28. Follow Provicence Rd. to Loch Raven Drive.