WSSC Water crews quickly responded to a Sanitary Sewer Overflow (SSO) today near 19110 Liberty Mill Rd. in Germantown (we initially reported this as a water main break). Crews remain on-site working to install bypass to stop overflow. Drinking water is not impacted.
The overflow, which was detected at approximately 9:00 a.m. today, is ongoing. The total volume of this SSO is estimated to be in excess of 10,000 gallons of untreated wastewater overflowing from a manhole. The cause of the SSO is unknown at this time.
WSSC Water crews arrived at the scene shortly after the overflow began and continue working to stop the flow of untreated wastewater. Contractors are setting up a temporary bypass pumping operation to move the wastewater around the impacted sewer main to stop the SSO. The untreated wastewater is entering a nearby storm drain that empties into Gunner’s Branch. Multiple signs warning residents to avoid the area have been posted. After the SSO has stopped, crews will investigate to determine the cause.
WSSC Water notified the Maryland Department of the Environment and the Montgomery County Department of Health and Human Services.