Watershed Management and Monitoring

This is a brook trout sampled from
one of Baltimore County's streams.

Watershed Management and Monitoring are integral to the Department of Environmental Protection and Sustainability's (EPS) overall strategy to protect, enhance and restore the waterways of Baltimore County. EPS monitors the living resources, chemical, habitat and erosion condition of our streams. Watershed planning uses monitoring data to assess watershed conditions and determine what strategies are needed to reach pollution reduction goals. Local watershed associations are also a vital component in meeting our challenge to maintain a healthy environment.

Watershed management and monitoring coordinates the following programs:

• Watershed Planning
  Small Watershed Action Plans (SWAPs) examine the current condition of the County's watersheds and outline a strategy to meet pollution reduction requirements for the impaired waters.
• Stream Monitoring
  Data is collected throughout Baltimore County to monitor the condition of our stream's health. Sampling includes biology, chemistry, geomorphology, outfall discharge pipes, bacteria and trash.
• "Watershed Moments" video series featuring County Executive Johnny Olszewski
  • Episode 1: Get an underwater and bird's-eye view of the County's water quality monitoring techniques by watching the video "Watershed Moments—Keepers of the Stream."
  • Episode 2: Go underground with Baltimore County natural resource specialists and utilities crew members to locate the source of waterway contaminants by watching "Watershed Moments—Pollution Detectives." 
  • Episode 3: Learn the untold story of the stormwater retention pond in your neighborhood and how it reduces and slows the flow of pollutants into our waterways. Watch “Watershed Moments—The Pond Down the Road.”
• Watershed Implementation Plan (PDF)
  The WIP Phase II addresses the County obligations regarding the local total maximum daily load
• Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL)
  Many of the County's watersheds do not meet water quality standards and therefore have strict TMDL limits that must be met.
• National Pollution Discharge Elimination System (NPDES)
  The County's annual reports for the Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4) permit include an overview of the County's planning, restoration and monitoring programs and data.
• Baltimore Watershed Agreement
  This agreement formalizes the commitment between Baltimore County and Baltimore City to work together on the management and monitoring of our shared watersheds.
• Healthy Harbor Plan (PDF)
  A plan of action to improve the water quality in the Baltimore Harbor provides ways for Baltimore City and County to grow as a livable community.
• Watershed Association Restoration, Planning and Implementation Grants
  EPS annually awards grants to local watershed associations and other non-profits for watershed restoration and educational programming that increases resident participation and helps the County meet water quality requirements and enhance the health of our local waterways. 

Contact Information

Watershed Management and Monitoring
Phone: 410-887-5683
Fax: 410-887-4804
Email: watersheds@baltimorecountymd.gov