Gaithersburg, MD Landscaping Rules: Water Restrictions (2026)

WSSC Water serves approximately 1.8 million residents across Montgomery and Prince George's counties, including all of Gaithersburg, and draws its water supply from the Potomac River and Patuxent River reservoirs. During normal conditions, the water supply is sufficient and WSSC does not impose mandatory watering schedules. However, WSSC has the authority to implement staged water use restrictions during drought conditions declared by MDE under COMAR 26.03.04 (Drought Emergency Regulations). The restriction stages operate as follows. During a Drought Watch (the lowest stage), WSSC requests voluntary conservation measures including watering lawns only when needed, watering during early morning or evening hours to reduce evaporation, fixing leaking faucets and irrigation systems, and running dishwashers and washing machines with full loads only. During a Drought Warning (the intermediate stage), mandatory restrictions may be imposed including odd-even watering schedules where properties with odd-numbered street addresses water on odd-numbered calendar days and even addresses water on even days. Watering is typically restricted to specific hours (before 10 AM or after 6 PM). During a Drought Emergency (the most severe stage), all non-essential outdoor water use is prohibited. This includes lawn and garden irrigation, car and vehicle washing (except at commercial facilities with recycling systems), filling or topping off swimming pools and hot tubs, power washing buildings and pavement, and operating ornamental fountains. WSSC may impose excess-use surcharges during emergencies, meaning customers who use significantly more water than their baseline average will pay a premium rate on the excess gallons. Gaithersburg falls entirely within the Chesapeake Bay watershed, specifically the Great Seneca Creek and Muddy Branch sub-watersheds of the Potomac River basin. This watershed location makes water quality and stormwater management a priority concern at both the county and state level. The Maryland Fertilizer Use Act of 2011 restricts the use of phosphorus-containing fertilizers on established lawns and requires all fertilizer applicators to follow University of Maryland Extension guidelines for application rates, timing, and setbacks from waterways. These fertilizer restrictions work in concert with water conservation efforts to protect the Chesapeake Bay from nutrient pollution. WSSC also encourages long-term water conservation through its WaterSense partnership, promoting high-efficiency fixtures, smart irrigation controllers, and native or drought-adapted landscaping that reduces outdoor water demand year-round regardless of drought status.