Essential Water Use Only Issued for All WSSC Water Customers Due to Significant Increase in Water Main Breaks and Leaks

Per WSSC:

1.9 Million Customers in Montgomery and Prince George’s Counties Urged to Immediately Conserve Water    

Immediate Conservation Efforts Could Avoid a Boil Water Advisory, Help Preserve Water for Fire Protection and Increase System Storage  

WSSC Water Crews Working Around the Clock to Repair Dozens of Breaks/Leaks Caused by Frigid Temperatures and Working to Locate Additional Unreported Breaks/Leaks  

Customers Encouraged to Call WSSC Water’s Emergency Services Center to Report Leaks/Breaks or Possible Smell of Chlorine 

Laurel, Md. – January 12, 2025, 1:25 p.m. – WSSC Water is urging all 1.9 million customers in Montgomery and Prince George’s counties to only use water for essential purposes effective immediately. At this time, water is safe and there is no need to boil before essential use.

The urgent essential water use only request is being issued due to a significant increase in the number of water main breaks and leaks brought on by the frigid temperatures including break locations that have not yet been identified. At this time, WSSC Water is responding to 47 breaks/leaks. Customers are urged to contact WSSC Water’s Emergency Services Center at (301) 206-4002 to report any running water or if they smell chlorine, which is used to disinfect drinking water. Reports can also be made via the WSSC Water Mobile Appusing the Report a Problem feature.

Following the guidance below could avoid a Boil Water Advisory and help preserve water for system storage and fire protection as crews work to make repairs to breaks/leaks across a 1,000 square-mile service area.

Until further notice, all customers are being urged to: 

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

WSSC Water has called in additional crews and emergency contractors to search for any unreported breaks/leaks and make repairs. 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.  WSSC Water thanks customers for their patience.

If customers suspect a water main break/leak (see running water or possibly smell chlorine), please call our Emergency Services Center at 301-206-4002. Reports can also be made via the WSSC Water Mobile App using the Report a Problem feature.

This is a rapidly evolving situation and WSSC Water will provide continuous updates to keep customers informed. Check the WSSC Water website, X (@WSSCWaterNews) and Facebookfor updates as this situation develops.