The Baltimore City Department of Public Works (DPW) has hit a new stride in upgrading the city’s water system infrastructure, reopening the walking loop at Druid Hill Park. The loop, a beloved feature encircling Druid Lake, offers residents a scenic route to enjoy once more, signaling a near end to the sprawling Druid Lake Underground Tank Project underway to enclose the city’s major drinking water facilities. According to a release from the Baltimore City Department of Public Works, the work is nearing completion and marks significant progress in modernizing Baltimore’s water infrastructure.
In a recent announcement, DPW Director Khalil Zaied expressed enthusiasm, stating, “We are excited to welcome Baltimoreans back to the walking loop around Druid Lake.” The altered loop extends along the coffer dam, a temporary structure facilitating the tank construction. Despite slight changes from the original pathway, visitors can enjoy an uninterrupted stroll. However, the full loop over the grassy area hiding the tanks remains closed for now, and it is slated to stay that way through mid-summer for final site restoration. These restoration activities are aimed at not disrupting public access to the open sections of the path.
The project is part of Baltimore’s effort to comply with federal drinking water regulations, which mandate covering open-air reservoirs. Where Druid Lake’s western end once held treated drinking water, two underground tanks sprawled over areas larger than a football field each now protect up to 46 million gallons of drinking water…