WSSC lifted the essential-water-use-only request at 1:20 pm today for all 1.9 million customers in Montgomery and Prince George’s counties, citing stabilized system demand and pressure along with water storage levels returning to normal.
The agency said its Potomac and Patuxent water filtration plants continue to operate normally and are meeting customer demand, noting that public water-conservation efforts contributed to the improvement.
The essential-water-use-only request was issued on January 27 at 11:15 am due to a high number of anticipated water main breaks and leaks caused by extreme cold temperatures, which increased the risk of system-wide pressure loss. Since the request was issued, WSSC Water reported approximately 190 water main breaks or leaks, and while additional crews and contractors were mobilized, the agency stated the request is used only when necessary to protect system pressure, fire protection capabilities, and reduce the risk of a boil water advisory. Customers are encouraged to continue reporting suspected water main breaks and leaks to WSSC Water.
