Toss Out Ice, Water Made During Boil Advisory And Clean Out Ice Makers

PRINCE GEORGE'S COUNTY, MD — While the boil water advisory was lifted a few days ago, WSSC reminds residents that it's important to have flushed their water lines before consuming water. Also, everyone should dispose of stored water, drinks or ice made since the boil water advisory. The next three batches of ice should also be thrown out. Ice maker containers should be wiped clean with a solution of two tablespoons of bleach to one gallon of water.

The WSSC announced that water quality testing confirmed the water is safe to consume. To flush pipes, the WSSC reminded residents to take the following steps:

• Begin with the sink faucet on the lowest floor.
• Slowly open the cold water sink faucet. Opening slowly allows for the release of trapped air and may reduce the banging noise, known as a “water hammer,” that can happen when water flow and pressure changes as a result of water main repair work.
• Repeat on each floor, moving from lowest to highest, only opening cold water sink faucets.
• Once the water runs clear, usually in 5 minutes or less, turn off faucets in the same order, lowest to highest.
• You also should flush your refrigerator’s water lines.
• Customers and businesses also should dispose of stored water, drinks or ice made since the boil water advisory. The next three batches of ice should also be thrown out. Ice maker containers should be wiped clean with a solution of two tablespoons of bleach to one gallon of water.

If anyone still experiences problems after performing the above procedures, or if there are any questions, contact WSSC's Emergency Services Center 24/7 at 301-206-4002.