Baltimore County Water Reservoir

In 1894 the Catonsville Water Company constructed a reservoir with a capacity of 6,000,000 gallons on the west side of Melvin Avenue, in the center of the block. Some residents complained that the reservoir would have a negative impact on their neighborhood, but another opined, “The reservoir, if the present plans are to be carried out, will appear as a beautiful lake surrounded with terrace paths and sodded plats. It will be a beautiful ornament to the avenue.” When completed it was enclosed by an iron fence and had a fountain in the center. In addition to the reservoir, which was constructed by J. P. Morgan of Baltimore, a steel water tank was erected on the east side of Melvin Avenue. In very little time the reservoir began to leak on account of several muskrat holes and had to be re-puddled with clay. This was probably a recurring problem and continual maintenance demand.