Repairs to a water main in Baltimore City Tuesday will affect the water supply in Howard County and could lead to a mandatory restriction, according to a statement released by the county executive’s office.

For now, according to the statement, the county is asking residents and businesses to voluntarily restrict “unnecessary water use” until a further notice.

County water is still safe to drink, according to the statement.

Major repairs are underway on a 54-inch water delivery main in Baltimore city, according to the statement. The water main is one of two major delivery routes of water to Howard County. According to the statement, loss of the main makes it difficult for the county to meet the demands of residents, particularly the extra water demand seen in the summer. 

If it stays hot and dry, the county may institute a mandatory water restriction. An adequate supply of water is necessary for basic county services, according to the statement, particularly fire protection

Residents with private wells will not be affected. The county is asking of everyone else that until the main is fixed:

• Please refrain from outside watering, car washing, power-washing or pool-topping until after sunset or during the early morning hours
• Please shift washing clothes or dishes, or non-essential cleaning using water to the early morning
• Use clothes washers and dishwashers only with full loads
• Take short showers, they use less water than filling a tub
• Report open hydrants to Bureau of Utilities (410-313-4900)

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