Don't be a drip, conserve your water. Parts of Maryland now under drought warning
While Washington County and Western Maryland remain under a drought watch, the Maryland Department of the Environment on Wednesday upgraded some parts of the state, including Frederick County, to a warning.
Public water systems, citizens and businesses across the state are being asked to continue voluntary water use restrictions first suggested earlier this summer.
“Water conservation is a good practice year-round, but we are asking water systems to take extra precautions as dry conditions persist,” Maryland Department of the Environment Secretary Serena McIlwain said in a news release from the department. “Consumers can help by limiting the use and duration of sprinklers for lawns, taking short showers as opposed to baths, and not leaving the faucet running while brushing your teeth. These things sound simple, but it all adds up.”
A closer look: Herald-Mail Media's database center keeps tabs on drought conditions
No mandatory water use restrictions have been issued by the state at this time. However, water systems may implement their own mandatory conservation measures, according to the release. Aside from Washington County, the drought watch remains in effect for Allegany and Garret counties.
The warning applies to the following areas, except those served by Baltimore City or Washington Suburban Sanitary Commission public water systems, are under warning: Baltimore, Carroll, Cecil, Frederick, Harford, Howard and Montgomery counties.
The drought warning is based on lower-than-normal stream flows and groundwater levels for this time of year, according to the release. The state increases oversight of water supply conditions, encourages voluntary water conservation practices, and updates its drought status weekly while the warning is in effect.
While the state currently has enough water to meet the needs of residents and businesses, water conservation measures are encouraged to help avoid any future water shortages, the release states.
How should homeowners conserve water?
The state Department of the Environment has several suggestions for homeowners on ways to conserve water, and ultimately save money.
Approximately 60% of total household water supply is used inside the home in three main areas: the kitchen, the bathroom and the laundry room, the department states on its tip sheet website.
Make sure all faucets are tightly turned off and not leaking. A leaking faucet could waste up to 4,000 gallons per year. Replace old faucets with new water-efficient models or install aerators to reduce flow.
In the kitchen
Run dishwasher only when full
Consider water use when purchasing a new dishwasher: New water and energy efficient models use 20% less water
Defrost food in refrigerator instead of using running water: A running faucet uses about a gallon of water per minute
Use a dishpan or plug the sink when hand-washing dishes
Don’t prerinse dishes before loading into dishwasher
Keep a container of water in the refrigerator rather than waiting for cold water from faucet
In the bathroom
Install low flow toilets or toilet dams
Test all toilets regularly for leaks: A leaking toilet could waste up 100 gal/day
Do not use the toilet as a wastebasket
Replace old showerheads: Low flow showerheads can save 3 gal/min
Take shorter showers
Turn off water when shaving or brushing teeth
In the laundry
Run full loads of laundry instead of many small loads
Consider energy and water efficiency when purchasing new laundry machines: Newer models use 40% less water and can save up to 6000 gal/year
This article originally appeared on The Herald-Mail: Maryland Department of Environment issues drought warning
