“The Potomac River temperature is like a crystal ball when predicting a spike in water main breaks in Montgomery and Prince George’s counties.”
Per WSSC: The river temperature has dropped about 13 degrees in the past 12 days from 46 to 33 degrees, triggering a significant uptick in the number of water main breaks/leaks. WSSC Water has experienced 166 water main breaks/leaks in the past 12 days – with 82 since Saturday.
Water main breaks tend to increase a few days after the river temperature hits a new low because the colder water takes time to travel through approximately 5,900 miles of water distribution mains.
Aging infrastructure is a critical factor in breaks and leaks. The older pipes are “shocked” by the colder water, causing them to break. Approximately 40 percent of the water mains in WSSC Water’s systems are more than 50 years old.
During a typical year, WSSC Water crews repair more than 1,800 water main breaks and leaks, approximately 65 percent of which (1,152) occur between November and February.
“WSSC Water crews are prepared and ready to handle the increase in water main breaks and leaks we experience when the Potomac River temperatures drop,” said WSSC Water General Manager and CEO Kishia L. Powell. “We appreciate customers’ patience as our crews work long days and nights to restore service under very difficult weather conditions. Our aggressive asset management strategy targets communities with older mains that experience numerous breaks. We will continue to work with our federal, state and local partners to secure necessary funding to invest in our critical infrastructure.”
Water Main Break/Leaks Statistics:
- November 1, 2023 – January 22, 2024: 719 water main breaks/leaks
- January 1- 22, 2024: 234 water main breaks/leaks
- January 20 – 22. 2024: 82 water main breaks/leaks
WSSC Water, serving 1.9 million customers in Prince George’s and Montgomery counties, maintains approximately 5,900 miles of water mains covering a 1,000-square-mile area. With such an extensive, aging distribution system spanning the two counties, WSSC Water encourages customers to report water main breaks and leaks as quickly as possible.
There are three simple ways to report a break:
- Call WSSC Water’s 24/7 Emergency Services Center at 301-206-4002.
- Email WSSC Water’s Emergency Center at [email protected].
- Use WSSC Water’s Mobile App.
Recent Stories
By Ben Shlesinger On a recent trip to Springfield, Massachusetts I decided to swing by the Basketball Hall of Fame. It was either that or the Dr. Seuss Museum. I’d…
Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Services (MCFRS) and Rockville City Police responded to a collision involving a vehicle into a tree on Sunday, May 5, in Rockville.
Detectives from the Montgomery County Department of Police – Special Victims Investigations Division (SVID) are asking for the public’s assistance in locating Asia Renee Jackson, a missing 14-year-old from Damascus.
Montgomery County Police responded to a shooting in the 18900blk of Mills Choice Rd in Montgomery Village on Saturday, May.
FREE Shred Day
Join us at Lafayette Federal Credit Union for a Free Community Shred Day, an event dedicated to helping you protect your privacy and the environment! Bring your old bank statements, bills, medical records, and any other paper documents that need secure disposal, and we'll take care of them on the spot.
Why You Should Come:
Protect Your Privacy: Safely shred sensitive documents to help prevent identity theft.
Eco-Friendly: All shredded material will be recycled, supporting our commitment to sustainability.
Complimentary Breakfast: Enjoy a free breakfast on us--start your day right with good food and good company!
Exciting Giveaways & Prizes: Don't miss out on giveaways and be sure to enter our drawing for a chance to win one of four $100 gift cards.
This event is open to all! It's a fantastic opportunity to clean out those old documents cluttering up your home, safe in the knowledge that they will be disposed of securely. Plus, it's completely free!
Don't miss out on this chance to declutter safely, enjoy some free treats, and possibly win a great prize. We look forward to seeing you there, rain or shine!
For more information, contact us at www.lfcu.events/shred.
FEST OF SPRING Caribbean Wine Food & Music Festival
Get ready to experience the vibrant colors, tantalizing flavors, and infectious rhythms of the Caribbean at the FEST OF SPRING Caribbean Wine Food & Music Festival! Hosted by RHU LLC, this exciting festival is set to take place on May 18, 2024, at the picturesque 16700 Barnesville Rd in Boyds, MD.
Step into a world where the Caribbean spirit comes alive! From 12:00 PM onwards, immerse yourself in a sensory journey that celebrates the unique culture, cuisine, and music of the Caribbean. Whether you're an African American, a Reggae or Soca music enthusiast, a wine lover, or part of the vibrant Caribbean diaspora, this festival promises to delight and captivate you in every way.
Let the enticing aromas of mouthwatering Caribbean dishes tantalize your taste buds. Feast on traditional delicacies prepared by expert chefs, showcasing the rich and diverse culinary heritage of the Caribbean. Indulge in flavorful jerk chicken, succulent seafood, and delectable plantain dishes that will transport you straight to the islands.
Accompanying the culinary extravaganza is a carefully curated selection of premium wines, ensuring the perfect pairing for your palate. Sip on fine wines from renowned vineyards, each sip a reflection of the Caribbean's vibrant spirit. Discover new flavors, expand your wine knowledge, and savor unforgettable moments with every glass.
As the sun sets, get ready to groove to the infectious rhythms of Caribbean music. Feel the pulsating beats of reggae, soca, dancehall, and calypso, moving your body to the lively melodies. Live performances by talented musicians and performers will keep the energy high, ensuring a night of unforgettable entertainment.
Don't miss this opportunity to embrace the Caribbean spirit and celebrate the arrival of spring in style! Tickets are available on AllEvents, so secure your spot today. Join us at the FEST OF SPRING Caribbean Wine Food & Music Festival, where cultures collide and unforgettable memories are made.
LIVE PERFORMANCES By: CULTURE Feat. Kenyatta Hill, EXCO LEVI, IMAGE BAND, RAS LIDJ REGG'GO with Special Guest SUGAR BEAR FROM E.U. & MORE! & MORE!
MUSIC By: DJ ABLAZE, DJ SMALLY & NAJ SUPREME
2 NIGHT Camping packages available: RV/CAMPER $200 | TENTS $150 Starting on Friday May 17 @ 5pm | 30 RV SPACES | 30+ TENT SPACES
KIDS 12 & UNDER FREE!!!
