Baltimore’s Department of Public Works began blending Susquehanna River water into the city’s supply Friday, as drought conditions and low reservoir levels put pressure on the regional water system. The change started at the Montebello Water Treatment Plant in East Baltimore. The blend now contains an estimated 20% to 40% Susquehanna water, mixed with water from Loch Raven Reservoir, and is being delivered to households in eastern Baltimore City and Baltimore County. City officials say the combined supply undergoes treatment and is monitored for quality. DPW Director Matthew Garbark said the department is measuring the water continuously and has a system to stop pumping if conditions at the river intake worsen. The move comes as water levels remain low at Prettyboy Reservoir and other locations. Recent rain from Hurricane Isaias may offer some relief, but the drought picture varies across the region: moderate drought remained in parts of Carroll and Washington counties and a small section of Baltimore County, while other areas were classified as dry. DPW will continue tracking reservoir levels to decide how long blending should continue. The department had not received customer complaints about possible changes in water taste or odor as of Monday, Oct. 12.