BALTIMORE, MD (May 28, 2013) - Public Works Director Alfred H. Foxx has issued a reminder to everyone: Please be safe and responsible: Do not swim in the City’s reservoirs and do not open fire hydrants.

Reservoirs: 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 asks 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, on land and water, 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. Already this year two individuals have had to be rescued, including a capsized kayaker. In 2012, 250 citations were issued for swimming and swimming-related trespass. So far this year, 40 swimming- related citations have been issued and one person arrested.

When enjoying the reservoirs, parents should supervise children at all times, and please make sure that even your young adult children are aware of the dangers and legal consequences. Please heed the signs to make your summer a safe one. To reach our reservoir police officers in an emergency, please dial 911.

Hydrants: 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. Last year, crews had to respond to over 900 open hydrants.

An open fire hydrant releases 1000 gallons of water per minute, and the pressure can push a child into the street and cause serious injury or death. Persons found guilty of illegally opening fire hydrants can be criminally charged, imprisoned for up to six months, and be fined $500.00.

A garden hose with a sprinkler at home may not be as dramatic as an open hydrant, but it can be used safely and provide a fun way to cool off. It also uses much less water. City pools are also a great way to cool off. All pools are now open on weekends, and beginning June 15, all Baltimore City Department of Recreation and Parks pools will be open every day of the week.

To report open hydrants, please call 311 in Baltimore City and 410-396-5352 in Baltimore County. If it is an emergency situation, please call 911.