Almost 2 million customers of WSSC Water are urged to conserve water as repair crews work to repair dozens of water main breaks and leaks caused by frigid temperatures.
There is no need to boil water before use, according to WSSC. By conserving, this will help preserve water for fire protection and increase storage.
The urgent essential-water-use-only request by WSSC customers in Montgomery and Prince George’s counties is being issued due to a significant increase in the number of water main breaks and leaks.
WSSC is responding to more than 50 breaks and leaks. Customers are urged to call the utility’s water emergency services center at 301-206-4002 to report running water and the smell of chlorine.
Reports can also be made via the WSSC Water Mobile App using the Report a Problem feature.
Until further notice, all customers are urged to take shorter showers and quickly turn off faucets after use and not flush each time after using the toilet. They also are asked to limit running washing machines and dishwashers.
To maintain system pressure, WSSC Water inspectors are shutting broken/leaking mains down before repair crews are dispatched to the break in an effort to keep system pressures stable. This may result in longer than usual times for repairs and customers may experience water outages or lower pressure for more extended periods.
According to a social media post by Councilmember Evan Glass, “Approximately 40% of the water mains in the @WSSCWaterNews system are more than 50 years old. It’s why we need to continue investing in our existing and aging infrastructure. Providing safe and clean drinking water is one of the core functions of local government.”
Request for Essential Water Use Only Continues for All WSSC Water Customers Due to Significant Increase in Water Main Breaks and Leaks.
Conservation Efforts Could Avoid a Boil Water Advisory
Learn more https://t.co/9MptjCrjTb pic.twitter.com/ynqtm7wZ57
— WSSC Water (@WSSCWaterNews) January 13, 2025
