On Monday July 10, 2023, the Maryland Department of the Environment issued a Drought Watch 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.
The affected region includes the City of Frederick and Frederick County. The City of Frederick continues to monitor conditions in accordance with our Water Conservation and Drought Response Plan and coordinating with Frederick County as necessary. As part of our plan, the City is reducing water usage within our operations where possible.
No mandatory water use restrictions have been issued. However, the City of Frederick is encouraging all residents, business owners, and visitors to take voluntary steps to reduce their water use by at least 10% during the month of September.
Ways to reduce water use inside the home:
In the bathroom…
• Do not let the faucet flow while brushing your teeth or shaving. Use a glass of water for rinsing teeth.
• Take showers instead of tub baths. Consider bathing small children together.
• If your shower has a single-handle control or shut off valve, turn off the flow while soaping or shampooing.
In the kitchen and laundry room…
• Do not pre-rinse dishes prior to loading in a dishwasher. Pre-rinsing is an unnecessary and wasteful use of water.
• Use a dishpan or plug the sink for washing and rinsing dishes. Install a low-flow aerator on all faucets.
• Operate the washing machine and dishwasher only when they are fully loaded.
• Use the proper water level or load size selection on the washing machine.
• Refrigerate a pitcher of drinking water instead of letting a faucet flow until the water is cold enough to drink.
Ways to reduce water use outside the home:
• Do not water established lawns, landscaped areas, trees, or shrubs.
• Use handheld containers or hoses with an automatic shut off to water newly seeded and sodded lawns (in the first 3-4 weeks), gardens, and landscaped areas, trees, shrubs, and outdoor plants.
• Outdoor watering should only be performed between the hours of 8 PM and 8 AM.
• Do not pressure wash paved surfaces, buildings, decks, or patios.
• Sweep paved surfaces such as driveways, sidewalks, and patios instead of washing with water.
• Utilize commercial carwashes in lieu of washing personal vehicles at home.
• Do not fill or top off swimming pools or hot tubs utilizing City water.
Additional information and water conservation tips for households, business, and industry can be found on MDE’s Water Conservation webpage.