Charles Piekanski, Vice President of Maryland American Water, noted that these conservation efforts aim to stave off mandatory restrictions. The request targets residential usage specifically, leaving business and industrial operations unaffected for the duration of the current drought cycle.

To manage consumption, the utility recommends shifting outdoor watering to early morning or evening hours and curtailing the use of ornamental fountains or vehicle washing. Indoor efficiency measures include running appliances only with full loads and monitoring plumbing for leaks. The company points to EPA WaterSense-labeled products as a reliable standard for those seeking to reduce water footprint by at least 20 percent.