Watching the Waters
Stream and Harbor Sampling
The Department of Public Works is responsible for Stream Impact Sampling, monitoring the quality of the streams and Harbor in the City of Baltimore. The Stream Impact Sampling program is a comprehensive effort designed to document chemical analyses of City streams over long spans of time. Each of the 33 sampling locations is visited once a month, and laboratory analysis is performed on the samples for the following parameters:
Metals: Hardness, Total.
Nutrients & Sediment: Nitrate+Nitrite Nitrogen; Total Kjeldahl Nitrogen; Total Phosphorus; Total Suspended Solids.
Biologic (Bacteria): E. coli; Enterococcus
Other Water Quality Indicators: Chemical Oxygen Demand; Chloride; Fluoride; Hardness; Total Sodium***
Historic data for the Stream Impact Sampling Program can be found on the Surface Water Quality Data Web Page. The purpose of this program is to evaluate the quality of our surface waters for any long-term trends and determine any capital investment programs or operational programs to implement. The results may be affected by a variety of factors: precipitation, land-use changes, and human behavior. For a map of all sampling locations in Baltimore City click HERE.
Ammonia Screening
Ammonia screening is a water quality monitoring program designed to rapidly identify potential pollutants with the intent to initiate pollution source tracking. The results of the ammonia screening program have identified sanitary discharges, drinking water system leaks, and chemical spills. Currently, there are 121 sampling locations. Most are visited on a weekly basis; while all are visited at least twice per month. Chemical analyses are performed in the field for the following parameters: ammonia nitrogen, chlorine, dissolved oxygen, pH, conductivity and water temperature. To view historic sampling data please visit the Stream Impact Sampling and Ammonia Page.
Biological Monitoring
Biological monitoring consists of the collection and analysis of benthic macroinvertebrates and other field parameters to determine stream conditions in the City’s three major watersheds: the Gwynns Falls, the Jones Falls, and the Back River. Sampling occurs every spring at 20 randomly selected stream stations and at 8 fixed stream stations. The City’s program is based on Maryland Biological Stream Survey protocols developed by the Maryland Department of Natural Resources. The results of this sampling program are available in the Annual MS4 Compliance Report.
See a Problem?
If you observe a problem in a stream or the harbor (such as a sanitary leak, a funny smell, or discolored water) contact 311 and report it as a “Waterway pollution investigation”! You can call, visit the 311 Web Page, or use the free 311 App.