Laurel-based WSSC Water has rescinded its request that the 1.9 million customers in Montgomery and Prince George’s Counties only restrict their water usage to essential needs.
Cold temperatures have led to rising water main breaks and leaks, with nearly 220 incidents reported between January 1 and 13.
The frequent breaks and leaks in the water mains, combined with reduced water production during cold weather, increased the system’s risk of pressure loss. WSSC Water officials said in a press release issued Monday evening that approximately 184 of the reported incidents occurred in the last six days.
The water main breaks continued into Sunday. A 24-inch and 12-inch water main that had not been identified threatened the system’s storage reserves, prompting the utility to issue the urgent essential-needs-only request.
“The water distribution system demand and pressure have stabilized, and water storage levels have returned to normal,” WSSC Water said. “The Potomac and Patuxent Water Filtration Plants continue to produce water, meeting customer demand.”
Customers are encouraged to report suspected water main breaks and leaks by calling WSSC Water’s Emergency Services Center at (301) 206-4002 or using the Report a Problem feature in the WSSC Water Mobile App.