WSSC Water cancels ‘essential water use only’ alert

System stabilized; Potomac River’s frigid temperature contributes to water main breaks

January 13, 2025 7:34 p.m.

WSSC Water, a utility that serves 1.9 million customers across Montgomery and Prince George’s counties, lifted its call for ‘essential water use only’ for all customers as of 6:30 p.m. Monday, according to a statement from the utility.

The lifting of the alert initially announced Sunday afternoon is “due in part to the public’s water-conservation efforts,” the statement said.

“The water distribution system demand and pressure have stabilized, and water storage levels have returned to normal,” the statement said. “The Potomac and Patuxent Water Filtration Plants continue to produce water, meeting customer demand.”

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The utility issued the rare alert “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,” WSSC Water said Sunday.

On Monday evening, WSSC spokesperson Lyn Riggins said in an email statement that there was a direct correlation between the Potomac River’s temperature and the occurrence of water main breaks and leaks.

“When the river [temperature] hits a new low for the season, we typically see an increase in water main breaks and leaks a few days later. The river [temperature] has dropped about 15 degrees from Jan. 1 to today,” Riggins said.

As of Monday afternoon, WSSC Water was responding to 69 breaks/leaks, according to Riggins. That is an increase from the 63 breaks/leaks reported Monday morning and the 47 breaks/leaks reported on Sunday afternoon.

“Crews continue to work around the clock repairing broken water mains as quickly as possible with support from emergency contractors,” Riggins said.

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Since Jan. 1, WSSC Water has experienced 224 water main breaks and leaks across the system, 188 of which have occurred between Wednesday and Monday, according to the utility.

“Customers are urged to 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 using the Report a Problem feature,” the statement said. 

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