THIS IS A WBAL TV 11 NEWS UPDATE. GOOD MORNING TO YOU. IT’S NOW 856. THE BALTIMORE CITY DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS NOW IS ISSUING A VOLUNTARY WATER RESTRICTION DUE TO ONGOING DROUGHT CONDITIONS. THIS IMPACTS BALTIMORE CITY AND BALTIMORE. HARFORD, HOWARD AND CARROLL COUNTIES. IT’S DUE TO LOW RESERVOIR LEVELS, AND THEY SUPPLY THE DRINKING WATER TO 1.8 MILLION PEOPLE ACROSS BALTIMORE CITY AND THE SURROUNDING REGION.
DPW encouraging voluntary water restrictions during drought conditions
Updated: 9:02 AM EDT May 14, 2026
The Baltimore Department of Public Works has issued voluntary water restrictions for the Baltimore area as the state continues to deal with the ongoing drought.According to DPW, in coordination with Baltimore, Harford, Howard, and Carroll Counties, the restriction have been issued due to the low water levels of the City’s three reservoirs which supply drinking water to 1.8 million people across the Baltimore metro area.Residents and water customers who use public water are encouraged to limit non-essential water use. Most of the state is currently experiencing moderate to severe drought conditions as rainfall levels have been significantly below seasonal averages. These restrictions apply to all customers who receive public water, so residents who rely on private wells are not affected, but should consult their local county for guidance. “To protect our regional water supply, we are urging residents and businesses across Baltimore City and Baltimore, Harford, Howard, and Carroll counties to use water wisely as we head into the summer months, when water demand typically increases,” said Mayor Brandon M. Scott. “By voluntarily conserving water now, we can take collective action to help preserve our regional water supply.”DPW and its regional partners ask residents and businesses to voluntarily reduce non-essential water use by:Repairing or replacing leaking faucets, hoses, and sprinklersRunning only full loads in dishwashers and washing machinesTurning off taps while brushing teeth or shaving and minimizing shower timePostponing lawn and garden wateringRefraining from washing outdoor surfaces like sidewalks and drivewaysAvoiding car, boat, or equipment washing. If car washing is needed, go to an automatic car wash business that recycles wash waterDPW is continue closely monitoring reservoir levels and drought conditions and will evaluate additional measures if conditions worsen. Prettyboy Reservoir is currently six feet below normal levels, while Liberty Reservoir is two feet below normal levels.
BALTIMORE —
The Baltimore Department of Public Works has issued voluntary water restrictions for the Baltimore area as the state continues to deal with the ongoing drought.
According to DPW, in coordination with Baltimore, Harford, Howard, and Carroll Counties, the restriction have been issued due to the low water levels of the City’s three reservoirs which supply drinking water to 1.8 million people across the Baltimore metro area.
Residents and water customers who use public water are encouraged to limit non-essential water use. Most of the state is currently experiencing moderate to severe drought conditions as rainfall levels have been significantly below seasonal averages.
Hearst OwnedBaltimore DPW
Water Restriction Map
These restrictions apply to all customers who receive public water, so residents who rely on private wells are not affected, but should consult their local county for guidance.
“To protect our regional water supply, we are urging residents and businesses across Baltimore City and Baltimore, Harford, Howard, and Carroll counties to use water wisely as we head into the summer months, when water demand typically increases,” said Mayor Brandon M. Scott. “By voluntarily conserving water now, we can take collective action to help preserve our regional water supply.”
DPW and its regional partners ask residents and businesses to voluntarily reduce non-essential water use by:
- Repairing or replacing leaking faucets, hoses, and sprinklers
- Running only full loads in dishwashers and washing machines
- Turning off taps while brushing teeth or shaving and minimizing shower time
- Postponing lawn and garden watering
- Refraining from washing outdoor surfaces like sidewalks and driveways
- Avoiding car, boat, or equipment washing. If car washing is needed, go to an automatic car wash business that recycles wash water
Hearst Owned
Current Drought Conditions
DPW is continue closely monitoring reservoir levels and drought conditions and will evaluate additional measures if conditions worsen. Prettyboy Reservoir is currently six feet below normal levels, while Liberty Reservoir is two feet below normal levels.