Baltimore Urges Water Conservation Amid Worsening Drought

With drought conditions worsening across Maryland, Baltimore Public Works officials are urging residents to voluntarily reduce their water use ahead of the summer.

On Thursday, the Department of Public Works (DPW) issued a voluntary water restriction, asking residents in Baltimore City and those served by its water system in southern Baltimore County, and parts of Carroll, Harford, and Howard counties, to cut back. This comes as Liberty Reservoir — one of the region’s main water sources — has dropped to its lowest level in nearly 20 years.

Baltimore’s water system serves roughly 1.8 million homes and businesses across the region. After a dry fall, drought conditions have persisted, with Central Maryland now classified as experiencing “severe” drought, according to the U.S. Drought Monitor. Nearly 4.5 million Marylanders live in drought-affected areas.

From January to March, Maryland recorded its 16th driest start to the year since 1895, with rainfall more than 2.5 inches below normal. Baltimore County, which supplies much of the area’s reservoir water, saw nearly a foot less rain than average over the past 12 months, according to the Maryland Department of the Environment.

If the dry weather continues into summer, typically the season of highest water demand, DPW may need to supplement its supply from the Susquehanna River. Though safe to drink, officials noted this water may have a slightly different taste.

“By taking collective action now, we are trying to mitigate the need for more stringent measures in the future,” said Baltimore Mayor Brandon Scott.

Residents can check whether they’re affected by the advisory using DPW’s interactive map.

DPW reported that low rainfall has severely impacted Liberty Reservoir, located on the Baltimore-Carroll county line. Loch Raven and Prettyboy Reservoirs in Baltimore County are also below normal levels. In response, DPW has adjusted operations at two filtration plants, reducing reliance on Liberty and drawing more from Loch Raven.

The advisory does not cover essential uses like drinking, cooking, or hygiene, but DPW encourages cutting back on non-essential water use. Suggested steps include:

• Delaying lawn and garden watering
• Skipping car washes and pressure-washing outdoor surfaces
• Only running full dishwasher or laundry loads
• Turning off the tap while brushing teeth or shaving

Pipe leaks also contribute to water waste, and DPW asks residents to report any suspected leaks or water main breaks.

“DPW is closely monitoring the situation and will continue to assess rainfall and reservoir levels,” said DPW Director Khalil Zaied. “We urge everyone to conserve water now to protect the region’s long-term supply.”