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.

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WSSC Water will be providing updates until the alert is rescinded.