Liberty Reservoir

Infobox lake
lake_name = Liberty Reservoir
image_lake = Libertydam.jpg
caption_lake =
image_bathymetry =
caption_bathymetry =
location = Maryland
coords =
type = reservoir
inflow =
outflow =
catchment =
basin_countries = United States
length =
width =
area =
depth = convert|59|ft|m|abbr=on
max-depth = convert|144|ft|m|abbr=on
volume =
residence_time =
shore =
elevation =
islands =
cities = The Liberty Reservoir is a reservoir in the suburbs of Baltimore, Maryland. It is owned by the City of Baltimore Department of Public Works, but is located outside of the city, and it divides Baltimore and Carroll Counties.

History

This 1,225 hectare (3,100 acre) was the former site of the Melville Woolen Mills. The land was purchased from the Melville family in 1954. At the time, it was the largest land purchase in state history. The city took control July 8, 1954. It was constructed by the City of Baltimore for use as a public water supply. The entire mill town, including factories, was left intact and flooded to create the reservoir. The dam crest is at an elevation of 126 m above sea level, and water overflowed the crest for the first time on February 6, 1956.

Physical/ Habitat Description

The North Branch of the Patapsco River is the primary tributary that feeds the reservoir. Other tributaries include Beaver Run, Keyer's Run, Prugh Run, Morgan Run, Locust Run, and Cooks Branch. Reservoir length is 18 km with a shoreline length at full pool of 131 km. The average depth is convert|59|ft|m|abbr=on with a maximum depth of convert|144|ft|m|abbr=on. [DNR.state.md.us]