Baltimore Metro Area Urged To Cut Non-Essential Water Use Following Pumping Station Fire

BALTIMORE COUNTY - Residents across the Baltimore metropolitan area are being urged to reduce non-essential water usage.

Effective Thursday night, the "voluntary water restriction" requests individuals and businesses in Baltimore City, Baltimore County, Harford County, and Howard County to minimize water usage to avert possible disruptions.

A blaze at Parkville's Cromwell Water Pumping Station has triggered this precautionary measure. According to officials, the incident resulted in a power loss at the facility, managed by the Baltimore Department of Public Works, and damaged two pumps, causing additional stress on the entire system.

Residents and businesses across the entire region are encouraged to take voluntary steps to reduce their personal water usage including:

• Avoiding watering lawns and gardens
• Avoiding washing cars, vehicles, boats, or other outdoor equipment
• Avoiding washing outdoor surfaces like driveways, sidewalks, parking areas, and patios
• Not letting the faucet flow unnecessarily while brushing your teeth or shaving
• Using the proper water level or load size selection on the washing machine
• Running the dishwasher only when full and avoid pre-rinsing dishes
• Running full loads of laundry, versus smaller loads
• Repair or replace leaking hoses and sprinklers

However, the statement clarified that there is no need to reduce water consumption for essential activities like drinking, cooking, or hygiene.

Interim Director of DPW, Richard J. Luna, reassured residents that there are sufficient water supplies to fill regional needs.

"At the moment, we have sufficient water to cater to our needs, and DPW is collaborating with state and county counterparts to expedite the necessary system repairs," Luna said in a statement.

As of Friday morning, DPW has not provided an estimate for when the repairs will be completed.

More News from Perry Hall

• Baltimore Officials Provide Update On Parasite Detected In Lake Druid Reservoir Cryptosporidium, commonly found in lakes and rivers, has the potential to cause gastrointestinal issues, especially in individuals with weakened immune systems.
• New BusWhere App Gives Baltimore County Parents Real-Time Insights On School Bus Locations The app allows parents to track their child's school bus in real-time, addressing prior concerns related to bus punctuality and occasional no-shows.