Loch Raven Reservoir

Infobox lake
lake_name = Loch Raven Reservoir
image_lake = LochRaven.jpg
caption_lake =
image_bathymetry =
caption_bathymetry =
location = Baltimore County, Maryland
coords = coord|39|27|N|76|34|W|type:waterbody_region:US|display=inline,title
type = reservoir
inflow = Big Gunpowder Falls river
outflow = Big Gunpowder Falls river
catchment =
basin_countries = United States
length = convert|10.7|mi|km
width =
area = 3.75 mi²
depth =
max-depth =
volume = convert|23000000000|USgal|km3|abbr=on
residence_time =
shore =
elevation =
islands =
cities =
reference = [http://www.baltimorecountymd.gov/Agencies/recreation/countyparks/fishingcenter/index.html Loch Raven Fishing Center ] ]

The Loch Raven Reservoir is a man-made reservoir that provides drinking water for 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. [Arnett, 1999] After the dam was built, the reservoir submerged the agricultural village of Warren. [Arnett, 1999] In 1923, the dam was elevated from 52 to convert|240|ft|m, and was viewed by many as a step towards the re-vitalization of Baltimore after the Great Fire of 1904. [Michael Wentzel and Michael Shultz, 1977] It is fed by the Big Gunpowder Falls river, and has a capacity of 23 billion gallons of water. [ [http://www.baltimorefunguide.com/calendar/detailAttraction.do?id=3157 Loch Raven Reservoir : Details Page : Baltimore FunGuide.com ] ] In addition to providing potable drinking water to Baltimore County, the lake serves as a park and recreational area for the public to enjoy.

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 convert|188|ft|m above mean sea level, and convert|51|ft|m from the original valley floor. The dam consisted of convert|50800|cuyd|m3 of concrete and impounded 1.5 billion gallons. Seven miles of new roads were constructed as well as two new bridges. Additionally a convert|12|ft|m|sing=on wide tunnel was built at a length of convert|1623|ft|m from the upper to the lower dam, which connected with the main tunnel running seven miles (11 km) to Lake Montebello in Baltimore. [ http://www.flickr.com/photos/talllguy/61162227 | Informational Plaque at site] ]

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. In addition to these trails, on weekends the lakeside Morgan Mill Road and Providence Road are closed to cars for pedestrians' enjoyment. [ [http://www.baltimoresun.com/news/local/baltimore_county/59322,1,2293939.venue?coll=bal-local-baltimorecounty Baltimore County - baltimoresun.com ] ] [http://www.dnr.state.md.us/publiclands/central/gunpowder.html]

References

External links

* [http://grew-bcw.info/SunArt/index.html "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
* [http://www.lochravenmd.net.html Loch Raven local community advocacy group]