Watch out for the water police this summer.
Water-use restrictions will go into effect during the first few days of May for zip codes in northern Anne Arundel County and most of Howard County. Workers are making emergency repairs on a 54-inch water main line that runs through southwestern Baltimore County. The line could be shut down for as long as a year, officials said. Both counties said the restrictions will ensure enough water supply for fire protection.
Violators will be charged with a criminal misdemeanor, and on conviction would be subject to a $25 fine for the first offense and $50 for subsequent offenses.
“It is with regret that I must start the summer with this kind of news, but it?s critical that the public do its part to maintain enough water for fire protection, public safety and other basic household needs,” said Anne Arundel County Executive Janet Owens.
“I remain hopeful that I will be able to ease these restrictions later in the summer, once Public Works has installed some temporary water lines to West [Anne Arundel] County.”
In Anne Arundel County, mandatory restrictions will be enforced during the evening hours in Maryland City, Odenton, Glen Burnie west of Ritchie Highway, Severn, Linthicum, Brooklyn Park, Hanover and at Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport. Voluntary restrictions will be in place in Pasadena, eastern parts of Glen Burnie and other areas in the northeastern corner of the county.
In Howard County, residents and businesses will restrict their outdoor water usage on an odd/even system.
Residents won?t be able to water lawns or plants, wash cars, powerwash the deck or fill up the family swimming pool during the restricted hours. But using the dishwasher, clothes washer and the toilet will still be allowed. Businesses in the affected area will be asked to reduce their water usage by at least 10 percent. Anne Arundel County hopes to conserve enough water to make up for the estimated 5 million to 6 million gallons lost during the service interruption.
