Nearly 2M Under Water Advisory After Power Outage Hits MD Utility Plant

MONTGOMERY COUNTY, MD — Nearly 2 million residents across Maryland were put on alert Tuesday after a power outage impacted a water utility.

WSSC Water said in a release that an essential water use warning was issued to Montgomery and Prince George's counties after an outage struck the provider's Potomac Water Filtration Plant at 12200 River Road.

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Water remains safe to drink and no boil advisory has been issued, the utility said.

WSSC urges customers to take the following precautions to help avoid a boil advisory:

• Use water only as necessary – i.e., take shorter showers and quickly turn off faucets immediately after use.
• No outdoor water use, including lawn irrigation systems.
• Limit flushing toilets (do not flush after every use).
• Limit using washing machines and dishwashers.

The utility said it is working with the Pepco electricity provider to "prioritize the restoration of power to the Potomac Plant."

Approximately 75% of WSSC customers receive potable water from supplies processed at the plant.

WSSC Water will be providing updates until the alert is rescinded.