WSSC Water is urging approximately 1.9 million customers in Montgomery and Prince George’s counties to use water only for essential purposes following a power problem at its Potomac Water Filtration Plant.
The utility says the water supply remains safe and there is no need to boil water at this time.
The Potomac plant supplies drinking water to about 75 percent of WSSC Water customers and normally produces between 100 and 120 million gallons of drinking water each day. WSSC’s other filtration plant, the Patuxent facility, remains operational but is producing about 90 to 95 million gallons per day, below the system’s average daily demand of approximately 170 million gallons.
WSSC Water is working with Pepco to restore electrical service to the Potomac plant.
Until further notice, customers are being asked to:
- Use water only when necessary and take shorter showers.
- Turn off faucets immediately after use.
- Avoid all outdoor water use, including lawn irrigation.
- Limit toilet flushing when possible.
- Reduce use of washing machines and dishwashers.
WSSC Water says conserving water will help preserve supplies for system storage and fire protection and could help avoid the need for a boil-water advisory.
The utility says the situation is rapidly evolving and customers should monitor WSSC Water for additional updates.
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