Mandatory Water Restriction for Montgomery County - Community Advisory

A mandatory water restriction has been issued for Montgomery County. Please note, "These mandatory water restrictions apply to all WSSC customers, residential and business, in Prince George’s and Montgomery counties. A violation carries a fine of up to $500 fine."



FULL PRESS RELEASE FROM WSSC



FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

To ensure continued water supply for all WSSC customers and for fire protection and hospital/medical uses, Washington Suburban Sanitary Commission (WSSC) General Manager Jerry N. Johnson this morning called for mandatory water restrictions for all WSSC customers. The restrictions take effect immediately and could last up to a week.



The mandatory restrictions are necessary following a break in a 54-inch water transmission main in Chevy Chase at the intersection of Connecticut Avenue and Chevy Chase Lake Drive in Montgomery County. The break occurred at approximately 8:00 p.m. Monday evening and resulted in a geyser shooting approximately 30 feet high.



Natural gas and electric lines run alongside the water main. Employees from Washington Gas and PEPCO are at the site securing those lines so work on the water main can begin.



WSSC has been working with fire departments from both counties to make sure there is adequate fire protection. "Please don’t hoard water. We’re not running out," said Johnson. "But if everyone can cut their water use by ten percent we should be ok. We appreciate everyone's understanding and cooperation."

The mandatory water restrictions are necessary to allow the system to replenish while 54-inch pipe is repaired. An estimated 60-million gallons of water was lost.



The Pre-stressed Concrete Cylinder Pipe (PCCP) went into operation around 1980. WSSC is unable to determine the cause of the break at this time. There are no customers without water service.



Until repairs are complete, it is imperative that all business and residential customers:

- Use water only as necessary – i.e., shorter showers and turn off faucets after washing hands and while brushing teeth



-Limit flushing toilets (do not flush after every use)



-Put off washing clothes if possible



-Limit the use of dishwashers and wash only full loads



-These mandatory water restrictions apply to all WSSC customers, residential and business, in Prince George’s and Montgomery counties. A violation carries a fine of up to $500 fine.



For additional information log on to the WSSC website at www.wsscwater.com or call the WSSC Call Center at 301.206.4002.