Protecting Water on the Eastern Shore of Maryland

 

The quality and quantity of clean water depends on conservation

 

It can be easy to take water for granted, especially in a place where it seems like we could never run out. But the truth is—we can. On the Eastern Shore of Maryland, our drinking water does not come from the rivers we see every day—it originates below ground in aquifers. Those aquifers are limited. Sprawl, droughts, pollution, and saltwater intrusion threaten both the quality and quantity of our clean water. But conserving land can help to protect the water we all share. Responsible wastewater treatment paired with sustainable development can protect it even further.

Thanks to generous funding from the Wallace Research Foundation, ESLC is excited to share two new conservation explainer videos about aquifers and wastewater treatment! Each about one minute long, these quick videos are a great resource for residents, students, local leaders, and professionals who want to better understand the water we use every single day.

Where does our water come from?

On the Eastern Shore of Maryland, drinking water originates in aquifers. More development means more withdrawal. Hard surfaces and development can pollute water and impede replenishment. But open spaces protect drinking water by allowing rain to slowly seep into the ground. Watch to learn more:

Where does our water go?

Ever wonder what happens to the water that goes down your drain? While stormwater runs off the ground directly into the watershed, municipal water we drain from our towns and cities ends up at a wastewater facility. Wastewater facilities treat water to remove chemicals before being discharged. Water that moves to private septic is not as well-regulated. By connecting new development, we are improving our water quality. Targeting growth to towns also protects the rural landscape. Learn more about wastewater systems and land conservation: