Keep hydrants closed!

Today is just the first full day of summer, and with temperatures approaching 100 degrees it promises to be a hot season. Baltimore City Department of Public Works Director, Alfred H. Foxx, reminds everyone, once again, that swimming is not allowed in the City’s reservoirs, no matter the temperature.

Additionally, the illegal opening of fire hydrants, a temptation on hot days, can hamper firefighting, can interrupt water service to high-rises and critical care facilities and can damage water mains. A garden hose with a sprinkler at home may not be as dramatic, but can be used safely and provide a fun way to cool off.

Baltimore City has three raw-water reservoirs: Prettyboy, Loch Raven and Liberty. These areas offer beautiful scenery with opportunities for biking, hiking, bird watching, boating and fishing. Reservoirs, however, are not safe for swimming and doing so can lead to tragedy. Temperatures in the deep waters drop quickly and diving into them may lead to hypothermia. In addition there are very rapid drop-offs, currents, hidden rocks and branches. “No Swimming” warning signs are posted at each of the three reservoirs and also at Druid Lake, Lake Montebello and Lake Ashburton. These man-made lakes are our drinking water.

DPW requests that everyone heed this warning: those caught swimming can be charged with trespassing and, if convicted, will have a criminal record. Violators can also be fined up to $1,000 and jailed. All three reservoirs are patrolled by DPW’s Environmental Police - full-time police officers with full authority to arrest violators.

All too frequently, drowning occurs at these reservoirs. In 2010 three young men were tragically lost in three separate incidents within six weeks. In 2011 there were 222 citations issued for illegal swimming.

When enjoying the reservoirs, parents should supervise children at all times. Make sure that your older children are aware of the dangers and legal consequences of swimming in the reservoirs. Guide them to legal swimming locations. Please heed the signs and make your summer a safe one!

To reach our reservoir police officers please dial 911 and request the Environmental Police