Maryland Department of the Environment

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Maryland's Drought Status: Current & Historical Conditions

In order to monitor drought conditions across the State, Maryland Department of the Environment performs monthly evaluations of hydrologic indicators. The indicators—precipitation, stream flow, groundwater levels and reservoir storage—are used in conjunction with the condition of water supplies, status of utilities, temperature, season of year and other relevant factors. This method was endorsed by the Statewide Water Conservation/Drought Advisory Committee to measure the impact of a drought on a regional basis throughout the State.

Drought conditions are evaluated on a regional basis. Precipitation, however, is also reviewed statewide and by county. The task force plan allows for staged response to drought, with conditions being in the "Normal," "Watch," "Warning," or "Emergency." In order for a region to be placed in the "Watch," "Warning," or "Emergency" stage, two or more indicators must be in that category or a higher level. More information about what a drought watch and a drought warning entail can be found here.


Click here to see drought indicators for April 30, 2025.

Click here to see drought indicators for April 22, 2025.

Click here to see drought indicators for April 15, 2025.

Click here to see drought indicators for April 7, 2025.

Click here to see drought indicators for March 31, 2025.

Click here to see drought indicators for March 23, 2025.

Click here to see drought indicators for March 15, 2025.

Click here to see drought indicators for February 15, 2025.

Click here to see drought indicators for January 31, 2025.

Click here to see drought indicators for January 15, 2025.

Click here to see drought indicators for January 8, 2025.

Click here to see drought indicators for December 31, 2024.​

Click here to see drought indicators for December 16, 2024.​

Click here to see drought indicators for December 8, 2024.​

Click here to see drought indicators for November 30, 2024.​

Click here to see drought indicators for November 24, 2024.​

Click here to see drought indicators for November 12, 2024.​

Click here to see drought indicators for October 15, 2024.​

Click here to see drought indicators for September 30, 2024.

Click here to see drought indicators for September 15, 2024.

Click here to see drought indicators for August 31, 2024.​

Click here to see drought indicators for August 15, 2024.

Click here to see drought indicators for July 31, 2024.​

Click here to see drought indicators for July 15, 2024.​

Click here to see drought indicators for June 30, 2024.​

Click here to see drought indicators for May 31, 2024.

Click here to see drought indicators for April 30, 2024.

Click here to see drought indicators for March 31, 2024.

Click here to see drought indicators for February 29, 2024.

Click here to see drought indicators for January 31, 2024.

Click here to see drought indicators for January 15, 2024.

Click here to see drought indicators for January 7, 2024.

Click here to see drought indicators for December 31, 2023.

Click here to see drought indicators for December 21, 2023.​

Click here to see drought indicators for December 15, 2023.​

Click here to see drought indicators for December 9, 2023.​

Click here to see drought indicators for November 30, 2023.​

Click here to see drought indicators for November 25, 2023.

Click here to see drought indicators for November 15, 2023.

Click here to see drought indicators for November 7, 2023.

Click here to see drought indicators for October 31, 2023.​

Click here to see drought indicators for October 21, 2023.​

Click here to see drought indicators for October 15, 2023.

Click here to see drought indicators for October 8, 2023.

Click here to see drought indicators for September 30, 2023.​

Click here to see drought indicators for September 23, 2023.

Click here to see drought indicators for September 15, 2023.

Click here to see drought indicators for August 31, 2023.

Click here to see drought indicators for August 15, 2023.

Click here to see drought indicators for July 31, 2023.

Click here to see drought indicators for July 15, 2023.

Click here to see drought indicators for July 9, 2023.

Click here to see drought indicators for June 30, 2023.

Click here to see drought indicators for June 15, 2023.

Click here to see drought indicators for May 31, 2023.

Click here to see drought indicators for May 15, 2023.

Click here to see drought indicators for April 30, 2023.

Click here to see drought indicators for March 31, 2023.

Click here to see drought indicators for February 28, 2023.

Click here to see drought indicators for January 31, 2023.

Click here to see drought indicators for December 31, 2022.

Click here to see drought indicators for November 30, 2022.

Click here to see drought indicators for October 31, 2022.

Click here to see drought indicators for September 30, 2022.

Click here to see drought indicators for August 31, 2022.

Click here to see drought indicators for July 31, 2022.

Click here to see drought indicators for June 30, 2022.

Click here to see drought indicators for May 31, 2022.

Click here to see drought indicators for April 30, 2022.

Click here to see drought indicators for March 31, 2022.

Click here to see drought indicators for February 28, 2022.


Click on column headers to see more information about each indicator
Summary of Hydrologic Indicators for January 31 2022
Region Rainfall Stream Flow Groundwater Reservoirs Overall Status​
WesternWarningNormalNormalNormalNormal
CentralWarningNormalNormalNormalNormal
EasternWatchNormalNormalN/ANormal
SouthernWatchN/ANormalN/ANormal


Summary of Hydrologic Indicators for December 31 2021
Region Rainfall Stream Flow Groundwater Reservoirs Overall Status​
WesternWarning
Normal
NormalNormalNormal
CentralWarning
Watch
NormalNormalWatch
EasternWarning
Watch
NormalN/AWatch
SouthernWarning
N/ANormalN/ANormal
Summary of Hydrologic Indicators for November 30 2021
Region Rainfall Stream Flow Groundwater Reservoirs Overall Status​
WesternNormalNormalNormalNormalNormal
CentralNormalNormalNormalNormalNormal
EasternNormalNormalNormalN/ANormal
SouthernNormalN/ANormalN/ANormal


Summary of Hydrologic Indicators for October 31 2021
Region Rainfall Stream Flow Groundwater Reservoirs Overall Status​
WesternNormalNormalNormalNormalNormal
CentralNormalNormalNormalNormalNormal
EasternNormalNormalNormalN/ANormal
SouthernNormalN/ANormalN/ANormal


Summary of Hydrologic Indicators for September 30 2021
Region Rainfall Stream Flow Groundwater Reservoirs Overall Status​
WesternNormalNormalNormalNormalNormal
CentralNormalNormalNormalNormalNormal
EasternNormalNormalNormalN/ANormal
SouthernNormalN/ANormalN/ANormal


Summary of Hydrologic Indicators for August 31 2021
Region Rainfall Stream Flow Groundwater Reservoirs Overall Status​
WesternNormalNormalNormalNormalNormal
CentralNormalNormalNormalNormalNormal
EasternNormalNormalNormalN/ANormal
SouthernNormalN/ANormalN/ANormal


Summary of Hydrologic Indicators for July 31 2021
Region Rainfall Stream Flow Groundwater Reservoirs Overall Status​
WesternNormalNormalNormalNormalNormal
CentralNormalNormalNormalNormalNormal
EasternNormalNormalNormalN/ANormal
SouthernNormalN/ANormalN/ANormal


Summary of Hydrologic Indicators for June 30 2021
Region Rainfall Stream Flow Groundwater Reservoirs Overall Status​
WesternNormalNormalNormalNormalNormal
CentralNormalNormalNormalNormalNormal
EasternNormalNormalNormalN/ANormal
SouthernNormalN/ANormalN/ANormal
 

Summary of Hydrologic Indicators for May 31 2021
Region Rainfall Stream Flow Groundwater Reservoirs Overall Status​
WesternNormalNormalNormalNormalNormal
CentralNormalNormalNormalNormalNormal
EasternNormalNormalNormalN/ANormal
SouthernNormalN/ANormalN/ANormal
 

Summary of Hydrologic Indicators for April 30 2021
Region Rainfall Stream Flow Groundwater Reservoirs Overall Status​
WesternNormalWatchNormalNormalNormal
CentralNormalNormalNormalNormalNormal
EasternNormalNormalNormalN/ANormal
SouthernNormalN/ANormalN/ANormal
 

Summary of Hydrologic Indicators for March 31 2021
Region Rainfall Stream Flow Groundwater Reservoirs Overall Status​
WesternNormalWatchNormalNormalNormal
CentralNormalNormalNormalNormalNormal
EasternNormalNormalNormalN/ANormal
SouthernNormalN/ANormalN/ANormal


Summary of Hydrologic Indicators for February 28 2021
Region Rainfall Stream Flow Groundwater Reservoirs Overall Status​
WesternNormalNormalNormalNormalNormal
CentralNormalNormalNormalNormalNormal
EasternNormalNormalNormalN/ANormal
SouthernNormalN/ANormalN/ANormal

Summary of Hydrologic Indicators for January 31 2021
Region Rainfall Stream Flow Groundwater Reservoirs Overall Status​
WesternNormalNormalNormal[2]NormalNormal
CentralNormalNormalNormalNormalNormal
EasternNormalNormalNormal[2]N/ANormal
SouthernNormalN/ANormalN/ANormal
[2] Only two of four wells were available as of 2021-Feb-18

Summary of Hydrologic Indicators for December 31 2020
Region Rainfall Stream Flow Groundwater Reservoirs Overall Status​
WesternNormalNormalNorma[1]lNormalNormal
CentralNormalNormalNormalNormalNormal
EasternNormalNormalNormalN/ANormal
SouthernNormalN/ANormalN/ANormal
[1] Only one of the four Western Maryland wells had December 2020 measurements available when evaluated on 2021-Jan-13

Summary of Hydrologic Indicators for November 30 2020
Region Rainfall Stream Flow Groundwater Reservoirs Overall Status​
WesternNormalNormalNormalNormalNormal
CentralNormalNormalNormalNormalNormal
EasternNormalNormalNormalN/ANormal
SouthernNormalN/ANormalN/ANormal



Summary of Hydrologic Indicators for October 31 2020
Region Rainfall Stream Flow Groundwater Reservoirs Overall Status​
WesternNormalNormalNormalNormalNormal
CentralNormalNormalNormalNormalNormal
EasternNormalNormalNormalN/ANormal
SouthernNormalN/ANormalN/ANormal


Summary of Hydrologic Indicators for September 30 2020
Region Rainfall Stream Flow Groundwater Reservoirs Overall Status​
WesternNormalNormalNormalNormal[1]Normal
CentralNormalNormalNormalNormalNormal
EasternNormalNormalNormalN/ANormal
SouthernNormalN/ANormalN/ANormal
[1] Data from the western reservoirs is not available as of 2020-Oct-07, but their status is presumed to be normal based on previous status.
Summary of Hydrologic Indicators for August 31 2020
Region Rainfall Stream Flow Groundwater Reservoirs Overall Status​
WesternNormalNormalNormalNormalNormal
CentralNormalNormalNormalNormalNormal
EasternNormalNormalNormalN/ANormal
SouthernNormalN/ANormalN/ANormal


Summary of Hydrologic Indicators for July 31 2020
Region Rainfall Stream Flow Groundwater Reservoirs Overall Status​
WesternNormalNormalNormalNormalNormal
CentralNormalNormalNormalNormalNormal
EasternNormalNormalNormalN/ANormal
SouthernNormalN/ANormalN/ANormal


Summary of Hydrologic Indicators for June 30 2020
Region Rainfall Stream Flow Groundwater Reservoirs Overall Status​
WesternNormalNormalNormalNormalNormal
CentralNormalNormalNormalNormalNormal
EasternNormalNormalNormalN/ANormal
SouthernNormalN/ANormalN/ANormal


Summary of Hydrologic Indicators for May 31 2020
Region Rainfall Stream Flow Groundwater Reservoirs Overall Status​
WesternNormalNormalNormalNormalNormal
CentralNormalNormalNormalNormalNormal
EasternNormalNormalNormalN/ANormal
SouthernNormalN/ANormalN/ANormal


Summary of Hydrologic Indicators for April 30 2020
Region Rainfall Stream Flow Groundwater Reservoirs Overall Status​
WesternNormalNormalNormalNormalNormal
CentralNormalNormalNormalNormalNormal
EasternNormalNormalNormalN/ANormal
SouthernNormalN/ANormalN/ANormal


Summary of Hydrologic Indicators for March 31 2020
Region Rainfall Stream Flow Groundwater Reservoirs Overall Status​
WesternNormalNormalNormalNormalNormal
CentralNormalNormalWatch
NormalNormal
EasternNormalNormalNormal
N/ANormal
SouthernNormalN/ANormalN/ANormal


Summary of Hydrologic Indicators for February 29 2020
Region Rainfall Stream Flow Groundwater Reservoirs Overall Status​
WesternNormalNormalNormalNormalNormal
CentralNormalNormalNormalNormalNormal
EasternNormalNormalNormal
N/ANormal
SouthernNormalN/ANormalN/ANormal


Summary of Hydrologic Indicators for January 31 2020
Region Rainfall Stream Flow Groundwater Reservoirs Overall Status​
WesternNormalNormalNormalNormalNormal
CentralNormalNormalNormalNormal[1]Normal
EasternNormalNormalWatchN/ANormal
SouthernNormalN/ANormalN/ANormal
[1] - The WSSC Patuxent reservoirs have less then 120 days of water in storage. This is as a result of the drawdown of Triadelphia as part of the Brighton Dam's rehabilitation project. This project was substantially completed on December 17, 2019
Summary of Hydrologic Indicators for December 31 2019
Region Rainfall Stream Flow Groundwater Reservoirs Overall Status​
WesternNormalNormalNormalNormalNormal
CentralNormalNormalNormalNormal[1]Normal
EasternNormalWatchWatchN/AWatch
SouthernNormalN/ANormalN/ANormal

[1] - The WSSC Patuxent reservoirs have less then 120 days of water in storage. This is as a result of Brighton Dam's rehabilitation project.  

Summary of Hydrologic Indicators for November 30 2019
Region Rainfall Stream Flow Groundwater Reservoirs Overall Status​
WesternNormalNormalNormalNormalNormal
CentralNormalNormalNormalNormal[1]Normal
EasternNormalWatchWatchN/AWatch
SouthernNormalN/ANormalN/ANormal
[1] - The WSSC Patuxent reservoirs have less then 120 days of water in storage. This is as a result of Brighton Dam's rehabilitation project.
Summary of Hydrologic Indicators for October 31 2019
Region Rainfall Stream Flow Groundwater Reservoirs Overall Status​
WesternNormalNormalNormalNormalNormal
CentralNormalNormalNormalNormal[1]Normal
EasternNormalNormalWatchN/ANormal
SouthernNormalN/ANormalN/ANormal
[1] - The WSSC Patuxent reservoirs have less then 120 days of water in storage. This is as a result of Brighton Dam's rehabilitation project.
Summary of Hydrologic Indicators for September 30 2019
Region Rainfall Stream Flow Groundwater Reservoirs Overall Status​
WesternNormalNormalNormalNormal[2]Normal
CentralNormalNormalNormalNormal[1]Normal
EasternNormalNormalNormalN/ANormal
SouthernNormalN/ANormalN/ANormal

[1] - The WSSC Patuxent reservoirs have less then 120 days of water in storage. This is as a result of Brighton Dam's rehabilitation project.
[2] - Data for the Western Maryland Reservoirs has not been received as of Oct 3, 2019, but, given previous storage values, they can be assumed to be Normal

Summary of Hydrologic Indicators for August 31 2019
Region Rainfall Stream Flow Groundwater Reservoirs Overall Status​
WesternNormalNormalNormalNormalNormal
CentralNormalNormalNormalNormalNormal
EasternNormalNormalNormalN/ANormal
SouthernNormalN/ANormalN/ANormal
[1] - The WSSC Patuxent reservoirs have less then 120 days of water in storage. This is as a result of Brighton Dam's rehabilitation project..
Summary of Hydrologic Indicators for July 31 2019
Region Rainfall Stream Flow Groundwater Reservoirs Overall Status​
WesternNormalNormalNormalNormalNormal
CentralNormalNormalNormalNormalNormal
EasternNormalNormalNormalN/ANormal
SouthernNormalN/AWatchN/ANormal
[1] - The WSSC Patuxent reservoirs have less then 120 days of water in storage. This is as a result of Brighton Dam's rehabilitation project.
Summary of Hydrologic Indicators for June 30 2019
Region Rainfall Stream Flow Groundwater Reservoirs Overall Status​
WesternNormalNormalNormalNormalNormal
CentralNormalNormalNormalNormalNormal
EasternNormalNormalNormalN/ANormal
SouthernNormalN/AWatchN/ANormal
[1] - The WSSC Patuxent reservoirs have less then 120 days of water in storage. This is as a result of Brighton Dam's rehabilitation project.
Summary of Hydrologic Indicators for May 31 2019
Region Rainfall Stream Flow Groundwater Reservoirs Overall Status​
WesternNormalNormalNormalNormalNormal
CentralNormalNormalNormalUnknown[1]Normal
EasternNormalNormalNormalN/ANormal
SouthernNormalN/AWatchN/ANormal
[1] - The WSSC Patuxent reservoirs have less then 120 days of water in storage. This is as a result of Brighton Dam's rehabilitation project. Data from Cumberland and Frostburg was not available as of 2019-Jun-19.
Summary of Hydrologic Indicators for April 30 2019
Region Rainfall Stream Flow Groundwater Reservoirs Overall Status​
WesternNormalNormalNormalNormalNormal
CentralNormalNormalNormalUnknown[1]Normal
EasternNormalNormalNormalN/ANormal
SouthernNormalN/ANormalN/ANormal
[1] - The WSSC Patuxent reservoirs have less then 120 days of water in storage. This is as a result of Brighton Dam's rehabilitation project. Baltimore City reservior data is unavailable as of 2019-May-09, therefore this indicator status can not be accurately determined.
Summary of Hydrologic Indicators for March 31 2019
Region Rainfall Stream Flow Groundwater Reservoirs Overall Status​
WesternNormalNormalNormalNormalNormal
CentralNormalNormalNormalUnknown[1]Normal
EasternNormalNormalNormalN/ANormal
SouthernNormalN/ANormalN/ANormal
[1] - The WSSC Patuxent reservoirs have less then 135 days of water in storage. This is as a result of Brighton Dam's rehabilitation project. Baltimore City reservior data is unavailable as of 2019-Apr-22, therefore this indicator status can not be accurately determined.
Summary of Hydrologic Indicators for Febuary 28 2019
RegionRainfallStream FlowGroundwaterReservoirsOverall Status​
WesternNormalNormalNormalNormalNormal
CentralNormalNormalNormalUnknown[1]Normal
EasternNormalNormalNormalN/ANormal
SouthernNormalN/ANormalN/ANormal
[1] - The WSSC Patuxent reservoirs have less then 135 days of water in storage. This is as a result of Brighton Dam's rehabilitation project. Baltimore City reservior data is unavailable as of 2019-Mar-19, therefore this indicator status can not be accurately determined.
Summary of Hydrologic Indicators for January 31 2019
Region Rainfall Stream Flow Groundwater Reservoirs Overall Status​
WesternNormalNormalNormalNormalNormal
CentralNormalNormalNormalNormal[1]Normal
EasternNormalNormalNormalN/ANormal
SouthernNormalN/ANormalN/ANormal
Normal[1] - This indicator status is based on the Baltimore City reservoirs only. The WSSC Patuxent reservoirs are not included in this assessment since Brighton Dam is being rehibilitated.
Summary of Hydrologic Indicators for December 31 2018
Region Rainfall Stream Flow Groundwater Reservoirs Overall Status​
WesternNormalNormalNormalNormalNormal
CentralNormalNormalUnknown[2]Normal[1]Normal
EasternNormalNormalNormalN/ANormal
SouthernNormalN/ANormalN/ANormal
Normal[1] - This indicator status is based on the Baltimore City reservoirs only. The WSSC Patuxent reservoirs are not included in this assessment since Brighton Dam is being rehibilitated.
Unknown[2] - Because of the partical US Government shutdown, field measurements for the Central and the Eastern Regions were not available. Therefore, the well status could not be assessed for the Central Region and was based on two real time wells in the Eastern Region.
Summary of Hydrologic Indicators for November 30 2018
Region Rainfall Stream Flow Groundwater Reservoirs Overall Status​
WesternNormalNormalNormalNormalNormal
CentralNormalNormalNormalNormal[1]Normal
EasternNormalNormalNormalN/ANormal
SouthernNormalN/ANormalN/ANormal
Normal[1] - .This indicator status is based on the Baltimore City reservoirs only. The WSSC Patuxent reservoirs are not included in this assessment since Brighton Dam is being rehibilitated.
Summary of Hydrologic Indicators for October 31 2018
Region Rainfall Stream Flow Groundwater Reservoirs Overall Status​
WesternNormalNormalNormalNormalNormal
CentralNormalNormalNormalNormal[1]Normal
EasternNormalNormalNormalN/ANormal
SouthernNormalN/ANormalN/ANormal
Normal[1] - .This indicator status is based on the Baltimore City reservoirs only. The WSSC Patuxent reservoirs are not included in this assessment since Brighton Dam is being rehibilitated.
Summary of Hydrologic Indicators for September 30 2018
Region Rainfall Stream Flow Groundwater Reservoirs Overall Status​
WesternNormalNormalNormalNormalNormal
CentralNormalNormalNormalNormal[1]Normal
EasternNormalNormalNormalN/ANormal
SouthernNormalN/ANormalN/ANormal
Normal[1] - .This indicator status is based on the Baltimore City reservoirs only. The WSSC Patuxent reservoirs are not included in this assessment since Brighton Dam is being rehibilitated.
 
Summary of Hydrologic Indicators for August 31 2018
Region Rainfall Stream Flow Groundwater Reservoirs Overall Status​
WesternNormalNormalNormalNormalNormal
CentralNormalNormalNormalNormal[1]Normal
EasternNormalNormalNormalN/ANormal
SouthernNormalN/ANormalN/ANormal
Normal[1] - .This indicator status is based on the Baltimore City reservoirs only. The WSSC Patuxent reservoirs are not included in this assessment since Brighton Dam is being rehibilitated.
Summary of Hydrologic Indicators for July 31 2018
Region Rainfall Stream Flow Groundwater Reservoirs Overall Status​
WesternNormalNormalNormalNormalNormal
CentralNormalNormalNormalNormal[1]Normal
EasternNormalNormalNormalN/ANormal
SouthernNormalN/ANormalN/ANormal
Normal[1] - .This indicator status is based on the Baltimore City reservoirs only. The WSSC Patuxent reservoirs are not included in this assessment since Brighton Dam is being rehibilitated.
Summary of Hydrologic Indicators for June 30 2018
Region Rainfall Stream Flow Groundwater Reservoirs Overall Status​
WesternNormalNormalNormalNormalNormal
CentralNormalNormalNormalNormal[1]Normal
EasternNormalNormalNormalN/ANormal
SouthernNormalN/ANormalN/ANormal
Normal[1] - .This indicator status is based on the Baltimore City reservoirs only. The WSSC Patuxent reservoirs are not included in this assessment since Brighton Dam is being rehibilitated.
Summary of Hydrologic Indicators for May 31 2018
Region Rainfall Stream Flow Groundwater Reservoirs Overall Status​
WesternNormalNormalNormalNormalNormal
CentralNormalNormalNormalNormal[1]Normal
EasternNormalNormalNormalN/ANormal
SouthernNormalN/ANormalN/ANormal
Normal[1] - .This indicator status is based on the Baltimore City reservoirs only. The WSSC Patuxent reservoirs are not included in this assessment since Brighton Dam is being rehibilitated.
 
Summary of Hydrologic Indicators for April 30 2018
Region Rainfall Stream Flow Groundwater Reservoirs Overall Status​
WesternNormalNormalNormalNormalNormal
CentralNormalNormalNormalNormal[1]Normal
EasternNormalNormalNormalN/ANormal
SouthernNormalN/ANormalN/ANormal
Normal[1] - .This indicator status is based on the Baltimore City reservoirs only. The WSSC Patuxent reservoirs are not included in this assessment since Brighton Dam is being rehibilitated.
 
Summary of Hydrologic Indicators for March 31 2018
Region Rainfall Stream Flow Groundwater Reservoirs Overall Status​
WesternNormalNormalNormalNormalNormal
CentralNormalWatchNormalNormal[1]Normal
EasternNormalNormalNormalN/ANormal
SouthernNormalN/AWatchN/ANormal
Normal[1] - .The WSSC Patuxent reservoirs have less than 120 days of water in storage. This is as a result of Brighton Dam's rehibilitation project. Therefore, this indicator status is based on the Baltimore City reservoirs only.
Summary of Hydrologic Indicators for February 28 2018
Region Rainfall Stream Flow Groundwater Reservoirs Overall Status​
WesternNormalNormalNormalNormalNormal
CentralNormalNormalNormalNormal[1]Normal
EasternNormalNormalNormalN/ANormal
SouthernNormalN/AWatchN/ANormal
Normal[1] - .The WSSC Patuxent reservoirs have less than 90 days of water in storage. This is as a result of Brighton Dam's rehibilitation project. Therefore, this indicator status is based on the Baltimore City reservoirs only.
Summary of Hydrologic Indicators for January 31 2018
Region Rainfall Stream Flow Groundwater Reservoirs Overall Status​
WesternNormalNormalNormalNormalNormal
CentralWarningWatch[2]WatchNormal[1]Watch
EasternNormalNormalNormalN/ANormal
SouthernEmergencyN/AWatchN/AWatch
Normal[1] - .The WSSC Patuxent reservoirs have less than 90 days of water in storage. This is as a result of Brighton Dam's rehibilitation project. Therefore, this indicator status is based on the Baltimore City reservoirs only.
Watch[2] - The status is considered as tentative and subject to chagne as missing information is estimated by USGS, since not all the data points were available at the time of the asssessment.
 
Summary of Hydrologic Indicators for December 31 2017
Region Rainfall Stream Flow Groundwater Reservoirs Overall Status​
WesternNormalWatch[2]WatchNormalWatch[2]
CentralWarningWatch[2]NormalNormal[1]Watch[2]
EasternWatchNormalNormalN/ANormal
SouthernEmergencyN/ANormalN/ANormal
Normal[1] - The WSSC Patuxent reservoirs have less then 90 days of water in storage as of the end of December, but this is in part because Triadelphia has been drawn down for a two-year project reabilitate Brighton Dam. Therefore, this indicator status is based on the Baltimore City reservoirs only.
Watch[2] Because of the large number of missing daily streamflow values at this time (2018-Jan-10), this status must be regarded as tentative and subject to chage as missing information is estimated by USGS.
 
Summary of Hydrologic Indicators for November 30 2017
Region Rainfall Stream Flow Groundwater Reservoirs Overall Status​
WesternNormalNormalNormalNormalNormal
CentralNormalNormalNormalNormal[1]Normal
EasternNormalNormalNormalN/ANormal
SouthernNormalN/ANormalN/ANormal
Normal[1] - The WSSC Patuxent reservoirs have less then 90 days of water in storage as of the end of November, but this is in part because Triadelphia has been drawn down for a two-year project reabilitate Brighton Dam. Therefore, this indicator status is based on the Baltimore City reservoirs only.

Summary of Hydrologic Indicators for October 31 2017
Region Rainfall Stream Flow Groundwater Reservoirs Overall Status​
WesternNormalNormalNormalNormalNormal
CentralNormalNormalNormalNormalNormal
EasternNormalNormalNormalN/ANormal
SouthernNormalN/ANormalN/ANormal

 
Summary of Hydrologic Indicators for September 30 2017
Region Rainfall Stream Flow Groundwater Reservoirs Overall Status​
WesternNormalNormalNormalNormalNormal
CentralNormalNormalNormalNormalNormal
EasternNormalNormalNormalN/ANormal
SouthernNormalN/ANormalN/ANormal

 
Summary of Hydrologic Indicators for August 31 2017
Region Rainfall Stream Flow Groundwater Reservoirs Overall Status​
WesternNormalNormalNormalNormalNormal
CentralNormalNormalNormalNormalNormal
EasternNormalNormalNormalN/ANormal
SouthernNormalN/ANormalN/ANormal

  
Summary of Hydrologic Indicators for July 31 2017
Region Rainfall Stream Flow Groundwater Reservoirs Overall Status​
WesternNormalNormalNormalNormalNormal
CentralNormalNormalNormalNormalNormal
EasternNormalNormalNormalN/ANormal
SouthernNormalN/ANormalN/ANormal
 
Summary of Hydrologic Indicators for June 30 2017
Region Rainfall Stream Flow Groundwater Reservoirs Overall Status​
WesternNormalNormalNormalNormalNormal
CentralWatchNormalWatchNormalWatch
EasternWatchNormalNormalN/ANormal
SouthernWatchN/ANormalN/ANormal
 
 
Summary of Hydrologic Indicators for May 31 2017
Region Rainfall Stream Flow Groundwater Reservoirs Overall Status​
WesternNormalNormalNormalNormalNormal
CentralWatchNormalWatchNormalWatch
EasternNormalNormalNormalN/ANormal
SouthernWatchN/ANormalN/ANormal
 
 
Summary of Hydrologic Indicators for May 16 2017
Region Rainfall Stream Flow Groundwater Reservoirs Overall Status​
CentralWatchNormalWatchNormalWarning[1]
EasternWatchNormalWatchN/AWatch
 
[1] Status held at Warning until the end-of-month evaluation.
 
Summary of Hydrologic Indicators for April 30 2017
Region Rainfall Stream Flow Groundwater Reservoirs Overall Status​
WesternNormalNormalNormalNormal[1]Normal
CentralWatchNormalWarningNormalWarning
EasternWatchNormalWatchN/AWatch
SouthernWarningN/ANormalN/ANormal
 
[1] Data not received for the end of March 2017 
 
Summary of Hydrologic Indicators for April 15 2017
Region Rainfall Stream Flow Groundwater Reservoirs Overall Status​
CentralWarningNormalWarningNormal[1]Warning

[1] Not updated from the end of March 2017

Summary of Hydrologic Indicators for March 31 2017

Region Rainfall Stream Flow Groundwater Reservoirs Overall Status​
WesternNormalNormalWatchNormal[1]Normal
CentralWarningWarningWarningNormalWarning
EasternWatchNormalNormalN/ANormal
SouthernWarningN/ANormalN/ANormal

 

[1] Data not received for the end of March 2017 

Summary of Hydrologic Indicators for Central and Eastern Maryland Drought Regions for March 15 2017[1]

Region Rainfall Stream Flow Groundwater Reservoirs Overall Status
CentralWarningEmergencyEmergencyNormalWarning[2]
EasternWatchNormalNormalN/AWatch[3]
[1] - Because of the drought status of the Central and Eastern regions when last evaluated, these regions are being evaluated biweekly.
[2] - Although two indicators are in Emergency, we are not increasing the drought status to Emergency at this time since there is no water supply in the region reporting water shortage.
[3] - The regional remains in watch pending re-evaluation at the end of the month.

 

Summary of Hydrologic Indicators for February 28 2017

Region Rainfall Stream Flow Groundwater Reservoirs Overall Status
WesternNormalNormalWatchNormalNormal
CentralWarningWarningEmergencyNormalWarning
EasternWatchWatchNormalN/AWatch
SouthernWarningN/ANormalN/ANormal

 

Summary of Hydrologic Indicators for February 14 2017

Region Rainfall Stream Flow Groundwater Reservoirs Overall Status
WesternNormalNormalNormalNormalNormal
CentralWarningNormalWatchNormalWatch
EasternWatchNormalNormalN/ANormal
SouthernWarningN/ANormalN/ANormal

 

Summary of Hydrologic Indicators for January 31 2017

Region Rainfall Stream Flow Groundwater Reservoirs Overall Status
WesternNormalNormalNormalNormalNormal
CentralWarningNormalWatchNormalWatch
EasternWatchNormalNormalN/ANormal
SouthernWarningN/ANormalN/ANormal

 

Summary of Hydrologic Indicators for January 16 2017

Region Rainfall Stream Flow GroundwaterReservoirs Overall Status
WesternNormalNormalNormalNormalNormal
CentralWarningWatchWatchNormalWatch
EasternNormalNormalNormalN/ANormal
SouthernWatchN/ANormalN/ANormal

 

Summary of Hydrologic Indicators for December 31 2016

Region Rainfall Stream Flow Groundwater Reservoirs Overall Status
WesternWatchNormalNormalNormalNormal
CentralWarningWatchWatchNormalWatch
EasternWatchNormalNormalN/ANormal
SouthernWarningN/ANormalN/ANormal

 

Summary of Hydrologic Indicators for December 14 2016

Region Rainfall Stream Flow Groundwater Reservoirs Overall Status
WesternNormalWatchWatchNormalWatch
CentralNormalWatchWatchNormalWatch
EasternNormalNormalNormalN/ANormal
SouthernNormalN/ANormalN/ANormal

 

Summary of Hydrologic Indicators for November 30 2016

Region Rainfall Stream Flow Groundwater Reservoirs Overall Status
WesternNormal[1]WarningWatchNormalWatch
CentralNormal[2]WatchWatchNormalWatch
EasternNormalNormalNormalN/ANormal
SouthernNormal[3]N/ANormalN/ANormal

Normal[1] - Although rainfall for the first two months of Water Year 2017 was 63% of normal for the Western region, a minimum of three months is needed to evaluate rainfall deficit. The normal status is based on the twelve months ending 2016-Nov-30
Normal[2] - Although rainfall for the first two months of Water Year 2017 was 46% of normal for the Central region, a minimum of three months is needed to evaluate rainfall deficit. The normal status is based on the twelve months ending 2016-Nov-30
Normal[2] - Although rainfall for the first two months of Water Year 2017 was 49% of normal for the Southern region, a minimum of three months is needed to evaluate rainfall deficit. The normal status is based on the twelve months ending 2016-Nov-30

Summary of Hydrologic Indicators for October 31 2016

Region Rainfall Stream Flow Groundwater Reservoirs Overall Status
WesternNormalNormalNormalNormalNormal
CentralNormalNormalWatchNormalNormal
EasternNormalNormalNormalN/ANormal
SouthernNormalN/ANormalN/ANormal

 

In order to monitor drought conditions across the State, Maryland Department of the Environment performs and monthly evaluations of hydrologic indicators. These indicators are precipitation, stream flow, ground water levels and reservoir storage. These indicators are used in conjunction with the condition of water supplies, status of utilities, temperature, season of year and other relevant factors. This method was endorsed by the Water Conservation/Drought Task Force Committee to measure the impact of a drought on a regional basis throughout the State.

Drought conditions are evaluated on a regional basis. Precipitation, however, is also reviewed statewide and by county. The task force plan allows for staged response to drought, with conditions being in the "Normal," "Watch," "Warning," or "Emergency." In order for a region to be placed in the "Watch," "Warning," or "Emergency" stage, two or more indicators must be in that category or a higher level.

Previous Data and Information

Related Topics

For More Information
Please contact the Water Supply Program at WATER.SUPPLY@maryland.gov or 410-537-3702​​​​

Maryland Department of the Environment
1800 Washington Blvd
Baltimore, MD 21230