Drought in Arbutus: Is Susquehanna Water in Your Tap?
30 October 2026
Our region is still in a drought, and voluntary water restrictions remain in effect for Baltimore City and Baltimore County. To stretch the supply, Baltimore City's Department of Public Works began blending water from the Susquehanna River into the system this month, and depending on your street, some of it may reach your tap in Arbutus. The water is treated and tested the same way and is safe to drink.
Why is Baltimore using Susquehanna River water?
The Baltimore region's drinking water normally comes from rain and snowmelt collected in the Liberty, Loch Raven and Prettyboy reservoirs. After a long stretch of dry weather, those reservoirs are low.
On October 5, 2026, the Baltimore City Department of Public Works turned on its Deer Creek Pump Station in northern Harford County to start drawing about 30 million gallons a day from the Susquehanna River. The water travels about 39 miles to the Montebello treatment plants, where it is blended with reservoir water, treated and tested. The city says the blend is expected to be about 20% to 40% river water.
Will Susquehanna water reach my house in Arbutus?
It depends on your exact address. The blended water goes into the system served by the Montebello plants, which DPW says serves parts of eastern Baltimore City and Baltimore County. The city's Water Supply Update page also notes that some addresses in southwest Baltimore are expected to get an even more diluted amount.
The Montebello supply area map that Baltimore County shared reaches into parts of southwest Baltimore County, including parts of Arbutus, Halethorpe and Lansdowne. The quickest way to know for your home is to type your address into DPW's online lookup tool.
Is the water safe, and will it taste different?
Yes, officials say it is safe for drinking, cooking and bathing, and it meets the same drinking water standards. River water carries more natural sediment, so some people may notice a slight change in taste, smell or color, though DPW expects most customers won't notice much at all.
If you see an unusual change that sticks around, DPW asks customers outside Baltimore City to call 443-263-2220.
How can I save water at home during the drought?
DPW and Baltimore County are asking everyone to keep conserving. Here are the official tips, plus a quick note on why each one helps.
| Tip | Why it helps |
|---|---|
| Fix leaky faucets, hoses and fixtures | A slow drip wastes water every hour of the day |
| Run only full loads in the dishwasher and washer | Fewer loads means less water used each week |
| Take shorter showers | Showers are one of the biggest indoor water uses |
| Turn off the tap while brushing teeth or shaving | Easy savings every morning and night |
| Skip lawn and garden watering | Outdoor watering can use a lot of water at once |
| Don't wash sidewalks, driveways or cars at home | Use a car wash that recycles its water instead |
The city also says mandatory restrictions are not off the table if reservoir levels keep falling, so every bit we save now helps.
What does this mean for homeowners and sellers?
For homeowners, this is a good moment to walk around the house and fix any drips, running toilets or leaky outdoor spigots, which saves water and money on your bill. If you are getting ready to sell, hold off on power washing the driveway or siding until conditions improve, and lean on other ways to boost curb appeal. While you are doing your fall chores, my guide to fall leaves and pumpkins in Arbutus and my post on the sewer lining work in Arbutus and Halethorpe are worth a look, and my Sell Your Home page has more tips.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Arbutus under water restrictions?
Voluntary water restrictions remain in effect for Baltimore City and Baltimore, Howard, Harford and Carroll counties. Residents are asked to avoid nonessential water use like lawn watering and car washing.
Is Susquehanna River water safe to drink?
Yes, officials say the blended water is treated and tested to the same drinking water standards. It is safe for drinking, cooking and bathing.
Why does my tap water taste different?
River water has more natural sediment, so some people may notice a slight change in taste, smell or color. If an unusual change lasts, customers outside Baltimore City can call DPW at 443-263-2220.
How do I know if my home gets Susquehanna water?
Enter your address in the Baltimore City DPW online lookup tool. It shows whether your property is in the area expected to receive blended water.
How long will Baltimore use Susquehanna River water?
Officials have not set an end date. It depends on rainfall and how quickly the reservoirs recover.
Disclaimer: This post is based on information from the Baltimore City Department of Public Works, Baltimore County and CBS Baltimore as of 30 October 2026. Water supply conditions change, so please check the DPW Water Supply Update page for the latest.
Thinking About Buying or Selling in Arbutus?
Whether you have questions about your current home or you are ready to find your first one, I am always happy to help neighbors in Arbutus, Halethorpe, Lansdowne and Catonsville. Call or text me at 443-421-6855.
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