Washington Suburban Sanitary Commission (WSSC) Announces Water Will Not Be Shut Off in South County, Water Restrictions Remain in Place

For Information Contact: Scott L. Peterson, Public Information Officer

Prince George’s County Office of Emergency Management

(240) 619-9400 (for media only)

(301) 583-1950 (for Emergency Operations Center)

or

Mark E. Brady, Chief Spokesperson - Fire/EMS Department, 240-508-7930

Washington Suburban Sanitary Commission (WSSC) Announces Water Will Not Be Shut Off in South County, Water Restrictions Remain in Place

Landover Hills, MD: The Washington Suburban Sanitary Commission (WSSC) announced that South County residents will not lose water due to the replacement of a 54-inch concrete pipeline that appeared to be failing. However, mandatory water restrictions remain in place for the impacted area. Residents are advised to utilize water only when necessary and to take short showers, turn off faucets after washing hands, limit flushing toilets, and postpone using washing machines and dishwashers. If the County continues conservation efforts, WSSC is confident that the system will remain fully operational while repairs are completed to the pipeline and returned to service. As a precaution, the Prince George’s County Office of Emergency Management will continue operations and services that were set up for this water shortage for the next 24 hours as we confirm that residents will not lose water service. 

The Fire/EMS Department will continue to have water tankers and additional resources remain in place as well as enhanced dispatch assignments will continue to the impacted area.for a 24 hour period starting at 12 noon today.  At that time the current situation will be evaluated and resource decisions will be made.

“This is a welcome development for our residents but we must be aware that we are still under mandatory water restrictions and there could be a setback in the replacement of this pipe,” said Prince George’s County Executive Rushern L. Baker, III. “I want to thank all of our residents for their patience, understanding and adherence to our directives to conserve water. I also want to thank our emergency operations, regional partners, and the thousands of citizens, business, and stakeholders who volunteered assistance and donations of water to our impacted residents.”

Impacted communities include Morningside, Hillcrest Heights, Camp Springs, Forest Heights, Temple Hills, and Oxon Hill, including Joint Base Andrews and the National Harbor. Please check this interactive map to see if you are in the affected area.

Residents with any questions are encouraged to call WSSC’s 24-hour Call Center at 301-206-4002. Prince George’s County’s 3-1-1 Call Center is also available for resident questions. Residents should NOT call 9-1-1, unless it is a medical emergency.