In order to do so, we need to first understand that the Chesapeake Bay like many bodies of water is under siege from a variety of pollutants that originate many miles away from the Bay. Activities within our watersheds can produce sediments, chemical pollutants, and nutrients like nitrogen and phosphorous. Together they can lead to the decline of water quality which leads to the decline of wildlife and bay grasses. Development, industry, and farming can all contribute to poor water quality if not done with best management practices.

The mission of Harford County Water Resources is to provide a comprehensive environmental program to protect and enhance the quality of Harford County’s water resources including streams, rivers, lakes, reservoirs, ponds and wetlands. Because all of man’s activities affect these natural systems, each of us must practice responsible water resources management. Responsible water resources management maintains that the quality of water that we swim in, drink from, and fish from remain free from harmful chemicals and pollutants.

Water Resources Engineering is responsible for implementing the county’s surface water quality program through the identification and restoration of water quality problems. The program is limited to the urban areas within Harford County and involves programs such as stream water quality monitoring, stream assessments, watershed studies, public outreach, and capital improvement projects such as stream restorations and storm water management retrofits.