U.S. Water News Online
ANNAPOLIS, Md. -- Gov. Parris Glendening has signed an executive order to reduce water use in state facilities by 10 percent, while encouraging Maryland residents to conserve water in their daily lives.
With lower-than-normal rainfall so far this year, state officials are closely monitoring drought conditions and asking residents to limit their water consumption, Glendening said.
``By protecting our resources we are also protecting our high quality of life,'' he said.
Under the order, state facility water conservation will be phased-in, beginning with a usage reduction goal of 7 percent by 2003 and reaching 10 percent by 2010.
The order requires a water-use audit at all state-owned and leased facilities, including an inventory of all water fixtures and other water devices.
State agencies also will be required to submit water conservation plans to the Maryland Department of the Environment by Oct. 1, 2001, including the purchase of water-efficient plumbing fixtures and appliances when new or replacement products are needed.
State officials say 1.4 billion gallons of water are used every day in Maryland, with the average home using 250 gallons daily.
If Marylanders reduced their water usage by 10 percent, it would be enough to provide water for 440,000 homes a day.
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