Water Restrictions Extended For 2 MD Counties Amid Water Main Breaks, Leaks

This story was updated Friday at 5:14 p.m.

ROCKVILLE, MD — Water restrictions for residents in Montgomery and Prince George’s counties have been extended through the weekend as concerns grow over a potential increase in water main breaks and leaks.

An urgent order was initially issued by WSSC Water on Tuesday but remains in effect due to extreme cold conditions forecast for the next few days.

The WSSC order requires residents to use water for essential purposes only. Individuals are urged to take shorter showers, limit flushing toilets and running washing machines and dishwashers.

The utility provider urged that should customers adhere to the restriction, it “could” prevent a boil water advisory from being issued. A BWA advisory is not currently in effect for either county.

WSSC emergency crews are working to repair a total of 48 water main breaks and leaks, with workers having responded to 360 cases since the start of the month.

In order to prevent any additional water main issues, the provider is also recommending that residents open their cabinet doors to make sure their home's pipes stay warm, and that they leave their faucets open to allow a small drip in order to avoid pipe freezing.

The water restriction comes on the heels of an intensifying storm forecast to possibly bring blizzard conditions and strong winds to parts of Maryland.

Anyone with knowledge of a water main break or leak is urged to immediately contact WSSC by email or by calling (301) 206-4002. Reports can also be made through the WSSC mobile app.