Thank you to all of those residents who reduced water use after the first request. The first notice was out of an abundance of caution and nothing to do with development. Current staff members have been operating the water system for over 20 years and have a good feel for when overuse is occurring. We are permitted by the State to withdraw 650,000 gallons per day. We usually pump around 550,000, so when we jumped to over 700,000 gallons per day, a notice was issued. After the notice, we dropped back down to normal ranges. Thank you!

The wellfield is in good condition, not overtaxed even with two of our high producing wells out of service for PFAS remediation. However, a drought watch has been issued for Western Maryland and portions of Central Maryland based on lower-than-normal stream flows and groundwater levels for this time of year. During a drought watch, MDE increases oversight of water supply conditions and encourages voluntary water conservation practices. No mandatory water use restrictions have been issued.

“Water conservation is a good practice year-round, but we are asking residents and businesses to pay particular attention during the summer months when the State can experience hot and dry conditions,” said Maryland Department of the Environment Secretary Serena McIlwain. “You can do your part 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.”