Baltimore officials are asking residents to ease off the taps as the region slips deeper into drought. On Thursday, the Baltimore Department of Public Works urged people and businesses across Baltimore City and parts of Baltimore, Harford, Howard, and Carroll counties to voluntarily cut back on nonessential water use, citing low storage in the three raw-water reservoirs that feed the city system. The move is framed as a precaution aimed at protecting drinking-water supplies before summer demand really kicks in.
What DPW Is Asking
In a statement to WBALTV, Mayor Brandon M. Scott urged residents to "use water wisely," while DPW asked customers on the public water system to dial back nonessential uses like lawn and garden watering, hosing down sidewalks, and washing cars at home. The advisory does not apply to people on private wells and makes clear that essential indoor uses such as drinking, cooking, and hygiene should continue as normal.
Officials are nudging residents toward simple conservation habits, including repairing leaking faucets and pipes, and waiting to run dishwashers and washing machines until there is a full load.
Reservoir Levels and Drought Backdrop
According to WBALTV, Prettyboy Reservoir is currently about six feet below its normal level, while Liberty Reservoir is roughly two feet low. Together with Loch Raven, the three reservoirs supply drinking water to about 1.8 million people in the Baltimore metropolitan area, according to the Baltimore City Department of Public Works.
Statewide drought indicators show that much of Maryland is now experiencing moderate to severe dry conditions, a trend that water managers say has left storage more vulnerable as temperatures rise, as outlined by the Maryland Department of the Environment.
What Could Happen Next
DPW says it will keep a close eye on reservoir levels and is prepared to tighten the rules if conditions worsen.
In 2025, the department reduced withdrawals from Liberty and leaned more heavily on Loch Raven, a strategy officials say voluntary conservation could help them avoid repeating, as detailed in a DPW press release.
How To Conserve: Quick Practical Steps
DPW and its regional partners recommend a handful of low-hassle moves that can trim demand without cramping daily life. They suggest postponing lawn and garden watering, skipping home car washes or opting for commercial car washes that recycle water, and avoiding washing outdoor surfaces like driveways and sidewalks.
Inside the house, they urge residents to fix leaking fixtures, turn off the tap while brushing teeth or shaving, and run only full loads of laundry and dishes. All of these steps are voluntary and aimed squarely at cutting nonessential use while keeping everyday needs intact, according to the DPW advisory.
Where To Check If You're Affected
DPW has posted an interactive map and a downloadable PDF that spells out which addresses fall under the advisory, so customers can quickly check their status. Baltimore residents can report leaks or water-main breaks by calling 311, while county residents are advised to contact their local water office for help.
Officials stress that the restrictions are voluntary for now, but are asking residents to treat them seriously to help safeguard the region's tap water. DPW says it will continue to post updates and that any move to mandatory limits would be announced publicly.
