Baltimore Harbor Watershed

The Baltimore Harbor watershed is located along the southern portion of Baltimore County.

The Baltimore Harbor Watershed is located immediately east of Baltimore City and includes Bear Creek, Old Road Bay, Shallow Creek and other small tributaries to the Chesapeake Bay.  It is largely comprised of highly urbanized land uses including large tracts occupied by heavy industry such as the shipyard and steel plant at Sparrows Point. Some parcels of open space exist, including parkland, agricultural and forested areas.

Dundalk, Eastpoint, Northpoint, Sparrows Point, and Edgemere are among the communities located in this watershed. It is also home to the Dundalk campus of Baltimore Community College and is traversed by the Francis Scott Key Memorial Bridge.

Much of the Baltimore Harbor waterfront communities consist of residential and commercial development, which historically supported the heavy industry in the area.  The waterfront includes numerous County waterfront parks – such as Merritt Point, Bear Creek and Fort Howard Parks –that offer public boat ramps, fishing piers and picnic areas. There are also several, private marinas, clubs and restaurants.  Northpoint State Park, located in Edgemere, also offers many recreational opportunities such as beach wading, tidal fishing, flatwater paddling, birding, biking, or hiking on one of several trails including the historic Defenders Trail used during the War of 1812.

Over the years, Baltimore County has completed numerous shoreline stabilization projects including those at Merritt Point Park, Bear Creek Park & elementary school, Battle Grove Park, and Inverness Park.  In addition, the County has undertaken many water quality retrofit and waterway dredging projects to improve water quality and recreational boating access.

Watershed Management Plan

Baltimore County completed a Watershed Management Plan for the Baltimore Harbor Watershed in October, 2000.  The executive summary (PDF) provides information about the current and expected pollutant loads from surface runoff.  A description of best management practices (BMPs) and their associatied pollution reductions along with a cost-benefit review is ialso included.

Volunteer Activities

To participate in volunteer activities contact a nearby watershed association. For the Baltimore Harbor watershed, contact the Baltimore Harbor Watershed Association.

Contact Information
Watershed Management Program
Phone:410-887-5683
Fax: 410-887-3510
E-mail: watersheds@baltimorecountymd.gov

  (Need PDF Help?)

Revised October 26, 2007