1.9 million Montgomery and Prince George’s residents urged to limit water use after water main breaks

WSSC Water is urging customers in Montgomery and Prince George’s counties to only use water for essential purposes after several water main breaks and leaks.

The essential-water-use-only request was issued because of 33 water main breaks and leaks brought on by the frigid temperatures. There are break locations that have not been identified yet.

Water is safe and there’s no need to boil before using it for essentials, according to officials.

Officials say water demand has increased over the past 24 hours beyond what’s typical this time of year. WSSC Water is also facing water production challenges at both filtration plants due to extreme cold temperatures. Snowfall and extreme weather conditions are limiting crews’ ability to visually locate breaks.

Until further notice, officials urge customers to:

• Use water only as necessary – i.e., take shorter showers and quickly turn off faucets from running at full force.
• Limit flushing toilets (do not flush after every use).
• Limit using washing machines and dishwashers.

Following the guidance above could help avoid a boil water advisory and help preserve water for system storage and fire protection as crews work to repair breaks and leaks, officials said.

Customers are advised to allow a faucet to drip to keep water flowing through pipes so pipes do not freeze. Customers should also leave open cabinets below sinks to allow warm air to circulate inside.

“The amount of water used to keep water flowing at a trickle through pipes will have minimal impact on demand and may save customers from costly repairs caused by frozen or broken pipes in their homes,” WSSC Water said in a statement.

Customers are also urged to immediately report any water surfacing or flowing down streets, sidewalks or rights of way.

To maintain system pressure, WSSC Water inspectors may have to shut down broken and/or leaking mains before dispatching repair crews to the break to keep system pressures stable.

Officials say this may result in longer-than-usual repair times, and customers may experience water outages or lower pressure for more extended periods.