by Kate Shunney
A drought watch has been issued for western Maryland, including Garrett, Allegany and Washington counties, due to “lower-than-normal stream flows and groundwater levels.”
On Monday, July 29, the Interstate Commission on the Potomac River Basin (ICPRB) joined their partners across the region to ask residents and businesses to start reducing their water use because of dry conditions. The voluntary steps would help preserve the region’s water supplies, the commission said. 
Voluntary water conservation is the second level in a four-stage regional drought response place, said the Committee of the Metropolitan Council of Governments.
The Potomac River is the main water source for the Washington, D.C. metro area.
“Our region’s ‘water supply bank account’-system of reservoirs is full, and we are able to meet the current water needs of the region. This next step will help ensure that remains the case,” states ICPRB’s executive director, Michael Nardolilli.
If flows in the Potomac continue to drop, they may reach levels that trigger other drought monitoring and action steps, include twice-daily reports and releases from upstream drinking water reservoirs, said Commission officials.
According to the U.S. Drought Monitor, almost 70% of the Potomac River watershed is in either Severe or Extreme drought status.
“While nearly 6 million people rely on the Potomac River for drinking water, we can work together as one to reduce our water use and protect this valuable resource,” says Nardolilli.
The Maryland Department of the Environment is also urging Marylanders and businesses to reduce water usage amid a drought watch. No mandatory water use restrictions have been issued.
