Baltimore residents face mandatory outdoor watering restrictions when the Maryland Department of the Environment declares drought conditions. DPW issues complementary advisories. Daytime sprinkler use, washing pavement, and ornamental fountain operation may be limited during designated drought stages.
Drought response in Baltimore is coordinated with the Maryland Department of the Environment, which assigns watch, warning, and emergency stages by region. During declared events, DPW issues notices restricting lawn watering to specific days or hours, banning car washing at home, and limiting decorative fountain operation. Year-round, customers are encouraged to use drip irrigation and native plants. Major water main breaks or capacity events may trigger short-term emergency restrictions independent of state drought status. Commercial irrigation must comply with MD plumbing code requirements for backflow prevention.
Civil fines starting around $100 per violation during emergency drought stage, escalating for repeats. Continued violations during emergencies can lead to service shutoff under Baltimore Code Art. 24 water provisions.
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