Baltimore Began Drawing Susquehanna River Water

The city initiated daily water withdrawals to support regional reservoirs amid a record-setting El Niño cycle.

Updated on Oct. 12, 2026 in Current Conditions

Baltimore Began Drawing Susquehanna River Water

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Do you feel local winter weather patterns in your area have become permanently less predictable?

The Baltimore City Department of Public Works has started withdrawing 30 million gallons of water daily from the Susquehanna River. This action is designed to support the Prettyboy and Loch Raven reservoirs that serve 1.8 million people in the region.

Why it matters

This preemptive measure is necessary to maintain reservoir levels during a historic El Niño event. Such withdrawals are uncommon, marking the first time Baltimore has taken this step since 2002.

The city is pulling 30 million gallons of water daily from the Susquehanna River to bolster supplies for 1.8 million residents. This is the first time the city has utilized this supplemental source since 2002.

The players

Baltimore City Department of Public Works

This local government agency is responsible for managing the water supply and wastewater services for the city and surrounding region.

Prettyboy Reservoir

This is a major water storage facility located in Baltimore County that provides drinking water to the metropolitan area.

Loch Raven Reservoir

This significant reservoir serves as a primary water source for Baltimore City and the surrounding county.

The details

The current 2026 El Niño cycle is the largest on record and is being accelerated by climate change. This weather pattern forces the jet stream to push warm air from the south, likely resulting in a wetter-than-normal fall and delayed winter conditions for Maryland.

1950 marked the start of recorded strong El Niño winter data.
2002 was the last year Baltimore withdrew water from the Susquehanna River.
2009-2010 saw extreme precipitation and record snowfall.
October 2026 saw Baltimore begin daily water withdrawals from the Susquehanna River.
Winter 2026-2027 is expected to feature delayed winter signs for Maryland.

Seasonal Patterns

This water management strategy follows the precedent set during the 2002 Susquehanna River water withdrawal. It reflects a reactive shift to manage reservoir levels against a history where strong El Niño winters have yielded highly inconsistent snowfall patterns.

Residents should remain aware that seasonal changes such as colder temperatures and typical winter weather may be delayed by one to two weeks. While water supplies are being stabilized, the city continues to monitor the impact of this major weather cycle on regional infrastructure.

The takeaway

The record-breaking 2026 El Niño serves as a reminder of how climate-driven weather patterns can force unexpected shifts in municipal utility management. Residents in affected areas should prepare for an unusually warm and delayed transition into the winter season.