Governor Parris N. Glendening has issued a variance to ease the recent restriction on watering athletic fields due to the drought emergency. The variance is designed to protect the safety of students and other users of these fields.

In accordance with the guidelines provided by the variance, Montgomery County Public Schools will begin watering high school athletic fields using a 50 percent water reduction plan. Watering will be limited to evenings after 8 p.m. and early mornings before 8 a.m.

Student athletic teams are scheduled to begin using school fields for practice sessions beginning on Saturday, August 14.