Rockville to Join Metro D.C. Communities in Calling for Water Conservation
The City of Rockville is asking residents and businesses to conserve water under a regional drought watch issued today by the Drought Coordination Committee of the Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments.
The metropolitan Washington region, which contains nearly six million people, has been experiencing unusually dry conditions, according to COG. The drought watch was declared following the committee’s regional drought response plan.
While an adequate supply of water exists in the Potomac River and backup reservoirs, implementing voluntary water conservation practices across the region will help complement measures already in place, and reduce water demand and environmental needs of the Potomac River, COG stated in a news release.
A drought watch calls for voluntary water conservation measures, but worsening conditions could lead to a drought warning with water restrictions.
The city’s water treatment plant, on the banks of the Potomac River, serves 70% of Rockville, or about 13,000 accounts and 52,000 community members. The Washington Suburban Sanitary Commission serves the remainder of the city.
Officials are closely monitoring drought conditions in the region, COG Executive Director Clark Mercer said.
“[W]ith a few simple measures, we can all aid in water conservation efforts and help ensure an adequate water supply for our region,” he said.
Over the past two months, the region has experienced record-breaking high temperatures, along with some periods of historically low streamflow and groundwater levels. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Climate Prediction Center has declared that 95% of the Potomac River Basin is experiencing abnormal to extreme drought and precipitation levels have dropped almost 4 inches below normal in the past 60 days.
The City’s Public Works Department will implement water conservation practices in their preventative maintenance activities, and the water treatment plant will continue to monitor Potomac River conditions and water demand closely.
Some simple tips to limit indoor and outdoor water use include:
- Monitor watering lawns, plants and shrubs.
- Sweep sidewalks and driveways (instead of using a hose).
- Avoid washing your car or use a commercial car wash that recycles water instead.
- Fix any plumbing leaks, especially toilets and faucets.
- Reduce showers to less than 5 minutes.
- Turn off water while brushing teeth.
- Wash full loads of dishes and clothes.
A detailed list of water conservation tips can be found at www.mwcog.org/wisewater.
For more information about COG, drought conditions in the region and other resources, visit www.mwcog.org/environment/planning-areas/water-resources/drinking-water-and-drought-monitoring/current-drought-conditions.
Contact Lindsey Martin at [email protected] or 202-962-3209 for more information.