What percentage of Maryland residents obtain their household water from a surface water source?

The correct answer reflects that approximately 68% of Maryland residents obtain their household water from a surface water source. Surface water, such as rivers, lakes, and reservoirs, is a significant source of drinking water for many communities in the state. This statistic underscores the importance of effective erosion and sediment control practices. If surface water quality is compromised, it can lead to a variety of environmental issues, including increased sedimentation, nutrient loading, and contamination, which directly impact the safety and quality of drinking water supplies.

In Maryland, adequate management of land-use practices and development activities is crucial to minimize erosion and prevent sediment from entering surface water bodies. Understanding the reliance on surface water by a majority of the population emphasizes the need for stringent control measures in construction and agricultural activities to protect these critical natural resources. Such measures include implementing best management practices (BMPs) and maintaining vegetative buffers around water bodies to sustain water quality for the population that depends on these sources for their drinking water.