Saving Water in
Maryland
Maryland's direct access to the Potomac River, Chesapeake Bay, and Atlantic
Ocean makes it a haven for water lovers, water sports, and fishing. However, the
state's climate, geology, and significant droughts in recent years have
highlighted critical freshwater supply issues throughout this Mid-Atlantic state.
Maryland's eastern and southern counties depend
upon groundwater aquifers for their public water
supplies, while its central and western counties rely
heavily on surface water to meet demands.
PROJECTED GROWTH TAXES SUPPLY
From 1970 to 2010, Maryland's population grew by 47
percent. By 2030, the state's population is projected to
grow by more than 20 percent, adding approximately
1.2 million new residents, with much of the growth
expected to be concentrated in southern Maryland.
As the population grows, it will put increasing pressure
on local water supplies. The state draws nearly 1.4
billion gallons of water each day, half of which is used
to meet public supply needs. If Maryland reaches its
projected population growth, overall water demand is
expected to increase nearly 16 percent by 2030,
meaning an additional 233 million gallons in daily
withdrawals will be needed.
Population growth is already outpacing available water
supplies in many Maryland counties, which have
Imposed temporary water restrictions and occasionally
limit or ban outdoor water use to maintain adequate
freshwater supplies.
VULNERABLE AQUIFERS
Aquifers—geological formations of porous rock, soil, or
sand saturated with ground water—are among
Maryland's most vulnerable freshwater resources.
Growing demand increases withdrawals, to the point
where water is being pumped at rates faster than the
aquifers can be recharged by annual rainfall and
groundwater flow. Recent analyses show Maryland's
aquifers declining at an average rate of 1 to 2 feet per
year, and projected demand could increase that
number to 4 feet. This rising demand could deplete
water levels beyond minimum regulatory thresholds
and exacerbate water quality concerns, such as
saltwater intrusion or pollutant concentrations.
DEVELOPMENTS IN NEED
Water and wastewater infrastructure is critical for new
residential and commercial developments, and
several expanding Maryland localities are struggling to
find safe, accessible, and sustainable water supplies.
Because the state will not allow new developments to
go forward until adequate water resources are
available, counties are considering expensive
alternatives, such as searching for undiscovered
resources or constructing extensive pipe systems to
tap into distant reservoirs.
PHONE (866) WTR-SENS (987-7367) WEBSlTEvvww.epa.gov/watersense EMAlLwatersense@epa.gov
n |—r>A EPA-832-F-13-008
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Saving Water in Maryland
LOOK FOR THE WATERSENSE LABEL
Tapping into deeper or more remote freshwater
resources may provide short-term solutions for
Maryland's water issues, but there are less expensive
strategies that can contribute to a more sustainable,
long-term water supply. Increasing water efficiency
across the state can help meet the needs of Maryland's
growing population while preserving water supplies for
future generations.
Plumbing and landscape irrigation products that have
earned the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's
WaterSense® label, for example, are independently
certified to use at least 20 percent less water and
perform as well or better than standard models. If half
of the households in Maryland
replaced their older, inefficient
toilets with WaterSense labeled
toilets, the state could save
about 12 billion gallons and $95
million in water and sewer costs
per year. That's equivalent to
the amount of water needed to supply every
household in Howard County, Maryland, for a whole
year.
For more information on WaterSense labeled products
and new homes, or other water-saving tips, visit
www.epa.gov/watersense.
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On average, American homes use at least 30 percent of their
water for outdoor purposes, mostly landscape irrigation. To
encourage Marylanders to reduce outdoor water use, the
Chesapeake Conservation Landscape Council (CCLC) conducts
an annual competition for the best water-smart landscapes in the
Chesapeake Bay region.
Winning landscapes incorporate CCLC's Eight Essential
Elements of Conservation Landscaping, which include the water-
efficient principles of planting native and drought-resistant plants,
covering soil with mulch, and keeping soil healthy. By watering
lawns and gardens more efficiently, Maryland residents can save
nearly 60 million gallons of water daily—equivalent to the amount
of water needed to fill all of the tanks at the National Aquarium in
Baltimore more than 25 times.
(Photo: Courtesy of Bill Nickel and CCLC)

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