Emergency Water Restrictions in Prince George's and Montgomery Counties

The Washington Suburban Sanitary Commission has put a temporary, mandatory water restriction in place that requires WSSC customers in Prince George’s and Montgomery counties to NOT use WSSC water on their lawns, gardens and other landscaping until further notice. But here are some ways that your landscape can still keep green during the mandatory water restrictions:

1. Place one to two inches of mulch around your plants.
2. Use water from bathing or washing dishes. Soap will not harm plants
3. Use water from cooking vegetables or pasta.
4. Collect rainwater and use it on the plants that need the most help.
5. Collect water from your shower rather than letting it go down the drain.
6. While waiting for you shower to heat up, collect that water in a bucket for your plants.
7. In the kitchen, rather than letting the water run until the water is cold (or hot), collect the water and use it for your plants.
8. Use water collected from your dehumidifier on your plants.
9. In the future, drought-tolerant plants make a lovely garden. For an example, go to WSSC’s demonstration garden at Brighton Dam Visitor’s Center’s parking lot.

Have an idea of your own? Go to WSSC’s “Friends of Brighton Dam” Facebook’s Discussion Page and share it with others.

Suggestions Courtesy of:
Wanda MacLachlan, Area Educator - Residential Landscape Management,
University of Maryland Extension