PRINCE GEORGE’S COUNTY, Md. (DC News Now) – WSSC Water crews are working to repair dozens of water main breaks and leaks caused by freezing temperatures.
It’s had a widespread impact on customers in both Montgomery and Prince George’s counties which caused WSSC Water to request residents to use water sparingly for about a day.
WSSC Water crews have had their hands full with repairing water main breaks and leaks. Just over the weekend, a water main broke along Beacon Light Road. People who live in the area say they had to go without water in their homes for hours.
“We are up to just about 200 water main breaks and leaks since Jan. 1,” WSSC Water spokesperson Lyn Riggins said. “So, in 13 days we’ve had about 200; about 165 of those have occurred since last Wednesday.”
Because of the high volume, WSSC Water issued an Essential Water Use Only request on Sunday for all 1.9 million of their customers. The request was lifted on Monday at around 6:30 p.m., saying system demand and pressure have stabilized and water storage levels have returned to normal.
“What essential water use only means is just turn the faucet off quickly after you finish using the water, maybe don’t flush the toilet after every use,” Riggins said.
The main issue is the temperature of the Potomac River, which is where about 70% of the water comes from.
“Pipes get used to water flowing through them at a relatively consistent temperature,” Riggins said. “And then all of a sudden we see the river temperature drop and so those pipes in a matter of speaking are shocked.”
Paul Mitchell said his home was without water for a few hours over the weekend.
“I just went to use the bathroom and wash my hands,” he said. “But the water wasn’t on, so I think the water went out.”
Benita Griffin had a similar experience in her home.
“Yesterday morning we noticed some brown water, and then we lost water pressure,” she said.
Mitchell and Griffin said water has since come back on in their homes. Griffin said she’s now doing what she can to conserve it.
“Having to hand wash some dishes,” she said. “Trying to wait until the dishwasher is not just regularly full, but overfull.”
WSSC Water said customers have complied since the request went out, and it’s made a big difference.
“They’re doing great,” Riggins said. “We appreciate everyone being mindful of their water use, so everyone has been helping us out and we have seen some improvement.”
About 40% of the water mains in Prince George’s and Montgomery counties are more than 50 years old.
“It’s concerning, but I think it should be an inspiration for the decision makers to start actually thinking about infrastructures that we need in our area,” said Rebecca Cole.
Crews continue repairing broken water mains around the clock with support from emergency contractors.
WSSC Water said neighbors can report water main breaks or leaks by calling their emergency line (301-206-4002) or reporting it through the WSSC Water app.
