Howard County Residents Asked To Continue Conserving Water After Fire At Pumping Station

HOWARD COUNTY, MD — Residents of Howard County are asked to continue conserving water after a fire at the Cromwell Pumping Station in Baltimore City disrupted services.

The Thursday morning fire caused the drinking water pumping station to lose power, damaging two pumps and placing a strain on the entire water system, according to city officials. Residents and businesses in Baltimore City, Baltimore County and Howard County are asked to continue conserving water. Since the fire at the Cromwell Pumping station, department of public works staff and contractors have been working to restore electricity at the plant and to repair two pumps damaged during the fire.

Officials noted that Harford County, which buys untreated water from the city of Baltimore, does not need to follow the voluntary water restriction notice.

Residents and businesses across the region are asked to take the following voluntary steps to reduce personal water usage like:

• 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 avoiding prerinsing dishes
• Running full loads of laundry, versus smaller loads
• Repair or replace leaking hoses and sprinklers

The voluntary restriction does not include limiting normal water usage for drinking, cooking or cleaning.

“The city of Baltimore extends its sincere appreciation to the residents and businesses in Baltimore City and Baltimore and Howard counties. However, we need everyone’s ongoing cooperation to reduce excessive water usage throughout the region as we continue our work to repair the Cromwell Pumping Station,” said Baltimore City Department of Public Works Interim Director Luna.