Drought warning issued for central Maryland; Eastern region under drought watch.
BALTIMORE (WBFF) – A drought warning was issued for central Maryland on Thursday, by the Maryland Department of the Environment (MDE).
After a drought warning is issued, the MDE increases oversight of water supply conditions and encourages citizens and businesses to use less water.
Baltimore, Carroll, Cecil, Frederick, Harford, Howard and Montgomery counties are covered by the warning, except for areas served by the Baltimore City or Washington Suburban Sanitary Commission public water systems.
Brush fires broke out in several counties under the drought warning Thursday, amid dry and windy conditions.
"Water conservation and efficiency are always smart especially during extended periods of reduced rainfall," said Maryland Secretary of the Environment Ben Grumbles.
According to the MDE, central region rainfall since Sept. 30, 2016, is on average 6.5 inches below normal, or about 61% of normal.
Rainfall in the Eastern region since Sept. 30, 2016, is on average 4.7 inches below normal, or about 71% of normal, MDE said.
While under the drought warning, conditions in the affected jurisdictions will be evaluated weekly.
In assessing and issuing warnings on drought conditions, the state uses the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers’ definition of drought: "periods of time when natural or managed water systems do not provide enough water to meet established human and environmental uses because of natural shortfalls in precipitation or stream flow."