WSSC Water is urging residents to keep at least a three-day emergency supply of water at home following last month’s power outage at the Potomac Water Filtration Plant that led to an essential-water-use-only request for nearly 2 million customers.
WSSC Water officials joined Maryland Secretary of the Environment Serena McIlwain, Maryland Secretary of Emergency Management Russell Strickland, county emergency preparedness officials, and local fire departments for “Imagine a Day Without Water,” an event focused on preparing residents for unexpected water service interruptions.
Officials recommend storing at least one gallon of water per person per day for a minimum of three days. Residents are also encouraged to account for water needed by pets.
The message comes just over two weeks after a power outage at WSSC Water’s Potomac Water Filtration Plant prompted an essential-water-use-only request for approximately 1.9 million customers in Montgomery and Prince George’s counties. Drinking water remained safe and service was maintained throughout the incident, but officials said the event demonstrated the importance of being prepared for potential disruptions.
“What happened at our Potomac Plant is not unique to WSSC Water,” WSSC Water General Manager and CEO Kishia L. Powell said. “Across the country, water utilities have become accustomed to operating on the brink of crisis as decades of underinvestment in critical infrastructure take their toll.”
Powell said aging infrastructure is increasing risks for water systems and thanked customers for conserving water during the Potomac plant incident, as well as WSSC Water employees who worked to restore power and maintain service.
McIlwain said infrastructure emergencies can happen even with professionals working around the clock to maintain service and encouraged Maryland residents to plan ahead by keeping extra water available.
During the recent Potomac plant incident, Montgomery County purchased an emergency supply of water that could have been distributed to residents if necessary, according to Montgomery County Office of Emergency Management and Homeland Security Division Chief Zach Estess.
Estess said, however, that meeting the water needs of more than one million Montgomery County residents during a widespread emergency would be challenging.
“Even with plans and supplies in place, it would be challenging to meet the water needs of Montgomery County’s over one million residents, which is why it is essential that everyone set aside their own supply for three days,” Estess said.
Having residents prepare their own supplies would allow emergency officials to focus resources on people and facilities unable to do so themselves, including nursing homes, assisted living and rehabilitation facilities, hospitals, and shelters, according to Estess.
Maryland Secretary of Emergency Management Russell Strickland said a water utility disruption can have effects beyond individual homes, impacting healthcare facilities, schools, businesses, and firefighting capabilities.
The event, held at the WSSC Water Support Center in Laurel, included demonstrations on preparing for a water emergency and safely maintaining an emergency water supply. Fire apparatus from Montgomery and Prince George’s counties were also on display to highlight the role water plays in firefighting and emergency response.
Officials said preparation becomes particularly important as winter approaches. Colder temperatures typically bring an increase in water main breaks, which can result in unexpected service interruptions.
Residents are encouraged to make emergency water part of their household preparedness supplies before an interruption occurs.
