Water Usage Limits Lifted As WSSC Water Fixes Over 200 Line Breaks

PRINCE GEORGE'S COUNTY, MD — WSSC Water has lifted water conservation measures for Prince George's and Montgomery County residents after crews handled over 200 breaks and leaks caused by the cold weather.

Due in part to the public’s water-conservation efforts, the water restrictions were lifted at 6:30 p.m. Monday for all 1.9 million customers in the two counties. A news release said water distribution system demand and pressure have stabilized, and water storage levels have returned to normal.

The Potomac and Patuxent Water Filtration Plants continue to produce water, meeting customer demand.

Why was this essential water use request made?

• A high number of water main breaks/leaks coupled with water production limitations brought on by the cold temperatures increased the risk of loss of pressure system-wide.
• From Jan. 1-13 WSSC Water had about 220 breaks or leaks with about 184 of those occurring in the past six days.
• On Sunday, Jan. 12, a 24-inch water main break and a 12-inch main break that had not been identified threatened system storage reserves.
• While additional crews and contractors were mobilized, WSSC Water requested essential use to take some demand off the system and allow storage levels to increase and pressures to stabilize.

The essential-water-use-only request is rare. WSSC Water will use this water conservation tool if any part of the water distribution system is at risk of losing water pressure, which can harm fire protection and possibly result in a boil water advisory, the agency said.

Customers should continue reporting suspected water main breaks and leaks by calling WSSC Water’s Emergency Services Center at 301-206-4002 or using the WSSC Water Mobile App's Report a Problem feature.

"WSSC Water appreciates the cooperation, partnership, and patience of our customers," a statement said. "Their efforts to limit water use helped avoid a potential boil water advisory and ensured adequate fire protection across Prince George’s and Montgomery counties."

Additional crews and emergency contractors were brought in to help to search for unreported breaks and leaks, and make repairs.