Voluntary Water Restrictions Lifted in Baltimore Region
The Baltimore City Department of Public Works (DPW) announced Monday that it has lifted voluntary water restrictions for residents relying on the regional water system.
The restrictions, which were originally issued on May 8 due to critically low water levels at Liberty Reservoir, are no longer necessary after a rainy May helped replenish the area’s main water sources—Liberty, Loch Raven, and Prettyboy reservoirs. The DPW noted that last month was one of the wettest Mays in recent years.
The decision was made in coordination with Baltimore, Harford, Howard, and Carroll counties, all of which share access to the regional water supply.
During the restriction period, the DPW adjusted operations at the Montebello and Ashburton water filtration plants, relying more heavily on Loch Raven Reservoir to preserve Liberty Reservoir’s water levels.
“While the restrictions are no longer needed, water is a vital and limited resource. We must continue to practice water-efficient habits every day to ensure our water supply system remains resilient for the future,” said Steve Sharkey, interim head of the Bureau of Water and Wastewater.
Despite the improved reservoir levels, the Maryland Department of the Environment has kept the region under a drought watch, which calls for a voluntary 5%–10% reduction in water use.
The DPW continues to urge residents to conserve water through simple steps like fixing leaks, skipping pre-rinsing dishes, and running only full loads of laundry.
