Reports of the worsening drought have prompted the Carroll commissioners to impose tougher water restrictions that go into effect tomorrow.

Under the new restrictions, Carroll water customers in Sykesville, Eldersburg and the Freedom area will only be allowed to use outside water every other day -- even-numbered days for those with even-numbered addresses and odd-numbered days for those with odd-numbered addresses. The restrictions do not alter existing state bans on most lawn watering, washing of vehicles or paved surfaces and the use of sprinklers or ornamental fountains.

The new rules do not apply to the approximate 70 percent of county residents who get their water from wells or to residents of the municipalities other than Sykesville. Most of those municipalities have imposed their own restrictions.