Prince George's, Montgomery Co. Residents Asked To Limit Water Use

WSSC Water is urging customers in Montgomery and Prince George’s counties to use water only for essential purposes due to a predicted increase in water main breaks and leaks brought on by the frigid temperatures.

In a statement released Tuesday, WSSC Water said the company was aware of nearly three dozen breaks or leaks across its 1,000-square-mile service area.

The request is effective immediately, according to the company, and affects about 1.9 million customers.

"At this time, water is safe and there is no need to boil before essential use," the company said.

Until further notice, all customers are being urged 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 the use of washing machines and dishwashers.

A cold weather advisory remains in place for most of Maryland from 7 p.m. Tuesday until 11 a.m. Wednesday. According to forecasters, very cold wind chills as low as 3 to 8 degrees below zero are expected overnight Tuesday.

Because of the extreme cold and the possibility of pipes freezing inside homes, WSSC Water officials said customers should leave a faucet running on a trickle when they are home to keep water moving through the pipes.

"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," the company said. "It is also advisable to open cabinet doors to expose pipes to your home’s warmth."

Customers are also urged to immediately report any water surfacing or flowing down streets, sidewalks or rights of way. Identifying and repairing hidden breaks as quickly as possible is critical to maintaining water service to customers, the company said.

Customers can contact WSSC Water by calling 301-206-4002, emailing emergencycallcenter@wsscwater.com or by using the "Report A Problem" feature on the WSSC Water mobile app.