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| The Back River watershed is located along the southeast side of Baltimore County. |
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| Herring Run is the major tributary to Back River. |
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Back River watershed encompasses 73 miles of stream located in urban and suburban portions of southeastern Baltimore County and includes the northeastern quadrant of Baltimore City. Approximately two-thirds of the watershed is located within Baltimore County and includes the stream systems of Herring Run, Red House Run, and Stemmers Run. The watershed is mostly comprised of older, established communities including Rosedale, Overlea, Parkville, Stoneleigh, Loch Raven Village, and portions of Essex.
It is home to numerous marinas and County waterfront parks, including Cox’s Point Park and Rocky Point Park that feature public picnic areas, boat ramps and fishing piers. It is also home to Rocky Point Golf Course and the historic Ballestone Manor House featuring seasonal exhibits, Civil War re-enactments, and displays of Early American Art. Also located in this watershed is the Back River Wastewater Treatment Plant that treats 180 million gallons of sewage each day for 1.3 million residents of Baltimore City and Baltimore County.
The watershed is currently 70% built-out and much of the existing development occurred in the 60s and 70s. Because this development predates current stormwater management regulations, there are limited opportunities for stormwater management controls. Through the Baltimore County Waterway Improvement Program, many water quality retrofit, shoreline enhancement and stream restoration projects have been implemented and many more are planned. In addition, the County monitors the need for maintenance dredging in the tributaries of Back River. Baltimore County is also working on a waterway debris removal project at the headwaters of Back River to capture trash and debris from the Herring Run and Red House Run watersheds
The Back River Watershed Management Plan was completed in January of 1997. The executive summary includes a discussion of the water quality problems and sources of pollution. Strategies for improving the water quality in the watershed are provided, including estimated costs. The executive summary (PDF) is available for download from this web site. An ecological resource study of the Lower Back River Neck peninsula is available. The study includes assessments of the plant community, wetlands, wildlife, shoreline, and stream conditions. This study is part of the Back River Neck Rural Legacy program and selected sections may be downloaded. The full report is available in local libraries.
To participate in watershed activities, contact your local watershed association. For Back River watershed, contact the Herring Run Watershed Association.
Watershed Management Program
Phone: 410-887-5683
Fax: 410-887-3510
E-Mail: watersheds@baltimorecountymd.gov
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Revised October 18, 2007
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