Loch Raven Reservoir
| Loch Raven Reservoir | |
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| Location | Baltimore County, Maryland |
| Coordinates | 39°27′N 76°34′W / 39.45°N 76.567°WCoordinates: 39°27′N 76°34′W / 39.45°N 76.567°W |
| Lake type | reservoir |
| Primary inflows | Big Gunpowder Falls river |
| Primary outflows | Big Gunpowder Falls river |
| Basin countries | United States |
| Max. length | 10.7 miles (17.2 km) |
| Surface area | 3.75 mi²[1] |
| Water volume | 23,000,000,000 US gal (0.087 km3) |
| References | [1] |
The Loch Raven Reservoir is a reservoir that provides drinking water for the City of Baltimore and most of Baltimore County, Maryland. Originally built in 1881 as a dam and water tunnel to channel water to Lake Montebello and Lake Clifton, the new dam was constructed in 1914 in efforts to increase the municipal water supply,[2] submerging the agricultural village of Warren.[2] In 1923, the dam was elevated from 51 feet (16 m) to 117 feet (36 m), and was viewed by many as a step towards the re-vitalization of Baltimore after the Great Fire of 1904.[3] It is fed by the Big Gunpowder Falls river, and has a capacity of 23 billion US gallons (87,000,000 m3) of water.[4] In addition to providing potable drinking water to Baltimore City and Baltimore County, the lake serves as a park and recreational area for the public to enjoy.
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[edit] History
The reservoir began as ordinance 141 of the Baltimore City Council in 1908, and the initial funding of $5,000,000 USD. The dam was constructed between 1912 and 1914 and when completed its crest was 188 feet (57 m) above mean sea level, and 51 feet (16 m) from the original valley floor. The dam consisted of 50,800 cubic yards (38,800 m3) of concrete and impounded 1.5 billion US gallons (5,700,000 m3). Seven miles of new roads were constructed as well as two new bridges. Additionally a 10-foot (3.0 m) steel pipe was built at a length of 1,623 feet (495 m) from the upper to the lower dam, which connected with the main tunnel running seven miles (11 km) to Lake Montebello in Baltimore.[5]
[edit] Activities
Loch Raven Reservoir is home to a shooting range, numerous trails and picnic areas. Visitors can also go fishing or boat in their personal watercraft, and boats may also be rented dockside. The reservoir also has running trails and a frisbee golf course. In addition to these trails, on weekends Loch Raven Drive between Morgan Mill Road and Providence Road are closed to cars for pedestrians' enjoyment. Environmental Police Officers are now patrolling all three of the city's public watersheds (Liberty, Loch Raven, and Prettyboy). They have full police powers, and enforce all laws and regulations issued by the City of Baltimore Mayor and City Council, and the State of Maryland.[6]
[edit] References
- ^ a b Loch Raven Fishing Center
- ^ a b Arnett, 1999
- ^ Michael Wentzel and Michael Shultz, 1977
- ^ Loch Raven Reservoir : Details Page : Baltimore FunGuide.com
- ^ | Informational Plaque at site
- ^ Baltimore County - baltimoresun.com
[edit] External links
- "The River You Drink", an interesting perspective on the history of the Gunpowder, which feeds into the reservoir, 5 part series from the evening Baltimore Sun
- Loch Raven local community advocacy group
- Loch Raven Reservoir on Google Street View
- "A short video of Loch Raven"
- Metro Reservoir Anglers, Inc.
