Stubborn drought in most of the mid-Atlantic states has prompted a call for some Marylanders to conserve water.

The Susquehanna River Basin Commission, which regulates use of the big river's water in Pennsylvania, parts of New York and Maryland, issued a drought advisory yesterday for people who get their water from the river or from wells within its drainage basin.

The basin covers northern Harford County and parts of Carroll, Baltimore and Cecil counties, and includes Conowingo, Darlington, Port Deposit, Havre de Grace and Perryville, as well as Aberdeen Proving Ground.

Rainfall in the area has been 3 to 7 inches below normal in the last five months, and most streams are at less than one-fifth their normal levels. People in those areas are urged to fix leaky faucets, take short showers, and run washing machines and dishwashers only when they're full.

It was the fourth time in the past 10 years that the commission has asked consumers to cut their water use because of drought, a spokesman said. Baltimore City reservoirs are also at below-normal levels, but a city water department spokesman said the city is in no danger of running short.

Pub Date: 12/04/98