MEDIA RELEASE: FROM THE PUBLIC INFORMATION OFFICER

JEANETTE ELEFF - 301-360-3842

CONTACT: Marc Stachowski, 301-600-1162

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Wednesday, January 30, 2002

CITY ENCOURAGES VOLUNTARY WATER CONSERVATION

In response to below normal precipitation for the past four months, the Maryland Department of the Environment (MDE) has announced that the drought status for Frederick County is at a “Drought Warning” stage. Because of this, The City of Frederick is encouraging residents to voluntarily comply with measures to decrease water at home and at work as recommended by MDE use such as:

· Repairing leak faucets, toilets or pipes.

· Replacing conventional faucets and showerheads with water-efficient ones.

· Turning off the water while brushing teeth or shaving.

· Only running the dishwasher or washing machine with a full load.

· Keeping a shower to five minutes or less.

During a “Drought Warning” or Stage 3 warning, the MDE encourages municipal and county governments to obtain a water utilization reduction goal of 10%-15%. The MDE will monitor the drought conditions on a weekly basis and keep municipalities and counties informed of any changes.

Additional information about water conservation will be available on the City’s website http://www.cityoffrederick.com/ or by calling the Department of Public Works at 301-600-1162. Further information about the MDE and the status of the drought in Maryland can be obtained at the MDE website http://www.mde.state.md.us/waterconservation.

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