BALTIMORE (AP) – The Maryland Department of the Environment has issued a drought warning for central Maryland.

The agency says that the warning is based on lower-than-normal stream flows and groundwater levels due to very little rain this season. The agency is asking residents to reduce their water use if possible.

The affected region includes Baltimore, Carroll, Cecil, Frederick, Harford, Howard and Montgomery counties, where rainfall in the past six months is 6.5 inches below normal.

A drought watch, which is less serious than a drought warning, is in effect for the eastern part of the state, which includes Caroline, Dorchester, Kent, Queen Anne’s Somerset, Talbot, Wicomico and Worcester counties. Conditions in other parts of the state are within normal ranges.

Copyright 2017 by Associated Press. All Rights Reserved. (PHOTO: Maryland Department of the Environment)