Water rationed in Western Maryland

Residents in the small western Maryland town of McCoole face water-use restrictions due to dry weather.

   

Water rationing measures were imposed Wednesday in the community of 500 by the neighboring city of Keyser W.Va. Keyser supplies drinking water to McCoole.

   

Keyser Mayor Randy Amtower says McCoole residents are prohibited from watering lawns and washing their cars and driveways. He says restaurants cannot serve water unless patrons request it.

   

First violations are subject to a verbal warning. Repeat violators could have their water shut off.

   

The U.S. Agriculture Department says Keyser has received 14.9 inches of rain since April 1. That's below the norm of 18.6 inches and less than half of what had fallen by the same time last year.