Ashburton Tanks Project
The Department of Public Works
Statement on Ashburton Lake:
Ashburton Lake will continue to play a vital role in the City's recreational life. The Baltimore City Departments of Public Works (DPW) and Recreation and Parks (BCRP) are working together to develop a long-term, sustainable plan to maintain Ashburton Lake as a recreational resource for residents.
Currently, the water levels at the lake have been lowered to support site restoration and construction activity inside of the lake. To replenish water levels, stormwater will be diverted to the lake. In addition, the lake has been equipped with a potable water source to add water to the site.
Throughout DPW's work to cover the drinking water reservoir at Ashburton Lake, the department has partnered with the impacted communities and worked to keep residents informed. DPW has hosted quarterly meetings to update residents and other stakeholders. To supplement these quarterly meetings, members of DPW's community engagement team, along with the project manager assigned to these projects, attend monthly neighborhood meetings to provide updates to affected communities.
Status Update: May 15, 2024
The Board of Estimates (BOE) has approved a Baltimore City Department of Public Works' (DPW) contract extension (Ramboll Americas Engineering Solutions Inc.) to provide staffing to support the completion of remaining inspection work with the Ashburton Tank Project. This contract extension does not impact DPW’s ongoing site restoration work at the lake and current plans to complete this work. DPW anticipates completing its remaining site restoration work by late-fall/early-winter 2024. Remaining site work includes restoring access to the pathways around the lake for recreational purposes. BOE, the City’s spending board, considered the contract amendment at its May 15, 2024, meeting. |
What's Happening at Ashburton Lake
As of December 21, 2023, work to cover the remaining open-air reservoirs at Ashburton Lake is complete. The conclusion of open-air reservoirs provides an added layer to protect the region's water supply. As a result, the precautionary advisory for immunocompromised residents is no longer in effect. The City has satisfied the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency(EPA) Consent Mandate. For more information on this project, take a moment to read the latest press release.
The lake is remaining in service for recreational purposes “only.” No drinking water is stored in Ashburton Lake.
The lake will become a recreational amenity. Water will be aerated to keep it fresh, though instead of being drinking water, it will be mostly stormwater runoff from the park area. A potable water line is included in the contract and will provide water to lake when needed.
What's Next for the Lake
A playground and other parks and green spaces will be built over the tanks in the space north of the lake. The entire project is budgeted for about $137 million. Upon completion, Lake Ashburton will remain as a beautiful freshwater amenity, while 50 million gallons of drinking water is secured safely in two underground tanks, every 434 feet in diameter.
Due to the construction activity, public access to the park remains limited. Most of the entrances and exits for construction vehicles will be on Liberty Heights Avenue at Dukeland Street, keeping construction traffic out of the neighborhood. Funding for this project includes contributions from the State of Maryland and Baltimore County. The contractor, Oscar Renda, is required to remain in compliance with the State and City’s MWDBE hiring goals.
DPW will update this page to provide significant updates, and officials will be in contact with community association leaders and residents during the construction period. Questions may be directed to the Communications and Community Affairs Division.
Ashburton Construction Traffic Impacts
Original Condition
Two 430’ diameter D110 underground tanks holding 25 mg each that Western 2 Zone of Baltimore City Finished Water System Requires.
Completed Layout
Two 434’ diameter D110 underground tanks holding 25 mg each that Western 2 Zone of Baltimore City Finished Water System Requires.
Existing and New Support Buildings
Public Gathering Space on the North Side of Lake
Playground
