Water Advisory Lifted; Users Should Flush Lines

Water is again safe to use straight out of the tap across southern Prince George’s County, says the WSSC, where residents had been told to boil their water for drinking and cooking for the past two days.

Customers are being urged to flush their lines and clean their ice-makers as a precaution.

Water testing conducted throughout the area since Wednesday showed no signs of harmful bacteria. Washington Suburban Sanitary Commission workers collected multiple samples on Wednesday and Thursday. Both rounds of tests came back negative for contamination, according to the utility.

As a result, WSSC lifted the boil advisory overnight. The order resulted from a break in a 12-inch water main in Brandywine on Tuesday.

“Our customers were inconvenienced by the (boil water advisory) and for that we apologize, however in situations like this one, we must act responsibly and ensure the water is safe before allowing our customers to drink it,” said Jerry N. Johnson, General Manager/CEO. “In our 96-year history, WSSC has never had a drinking water quality violation and we are committed to continuing that exceptional record for our customers.”

When a water system, or in this case a small portion of a water system, loses pressure there is an increased risk of contamination, which prompted the boil advisory.

Customers who were under the advisory should take a few final precautions to flush the water lines in their home or business.

If you experience any problems after performing the above procedures, or if you have questions, call the Emergency Call Center at 301.206.4002 or TTY 301.206.8345.