Loch Raven Reservoir

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Loch Raven Reservoir
Location	Baltimore County, Maryland
Coordinates	39°27′N 76°34′WCoordinates: 39°27′N 76°34′W
Lake type	reservoir
Primary inflows	Big Gunpowder Falls river
Primary outflows	Big Gunpowder Falls river
Basin countries	United States
Surface area	3.75 mi²[1]
Water volume	23 billion gallons
References	[1]

The Loch Raven Reservoiris a man-made reservoir that provides drinking water for most of Baltimore County. 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]. After the dam was built, the reservoir submerged the agricultural village of Warren.^[3] In 1923, the dam was elevated from 52 to 240 feet, and was viewed by many as a step towards the re-vitalization of Baltimore after the Great Fire. ^[4]It is fed by the Big Gunpowder Falls river, and has a capacity of 23 billion gallons of water. ^[5] In addition to providing potable drinking water to Baltimore County, the lake serves as a park and recreational area for the public to enjoy.

[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. The reservoir also has running trails. In addition to these trails, on weekends the lakeside Morgan Mill Road and Providence Road are closed to cars for pedestrians' enjoyment.^[6]

The Loch Raven Dam during rehabilitation and stabilization in 2003

[1]

[edit] References

1. ^ ^{a b} Loch Raven Fishing Center
2. ^ Arnett, 1999
3. ^ Arnett, 1999
4. ^ Michael Wentzel and Michael Shultz , 1977
5. ^ Loch Raven Reservoir : Details Page : Baltimore FunGuide.com
6. ^ 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

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