WSSC Water Issues Recreational Water Contact Health Advisory for Triadelphia Reservoir

Laurel, Md. – July 14, 2022 – WSSC Water has detected high concentrations of blue-green algae in the Triadelphia Reservoir, which can cause serious adverse health effects if contacted. The reservoir, located along the Patuxent River in Montgomery and Howard counties, serves as a drinking water source for WSSC Water and as a recreational area for hiking, fishing and boating. 

It is important to note that WSSC Water’s drinking water is not affected and continues to meet all Safe Drinking Water Act standards. As a precaution, WSSC Water is closely monitoring water quality conditions at its Patuxent Water Filtration Plant. 

Visitors to WSSC Water’s Triadelphia Reservoir should do the following: 

• Avoid all recreational water contact. If water contact occurs, rinse off immediately with clean water. 
• Do not allow pets to swim in or drink the water (prohibited at all times by WSSC Water watershed regulations). 
• Do not consume fish livers or digestive organs from fish caught in the reservoir. If a fish is caught in the reservoir, wash fillets thoroughly with drinking water. 

Signs will be posted throughout the reservoir’s recreational areas to make visitors aware of this water contact health advisory. 

If you, your pet, or someone you know has contacted or ingested water at either reservoir, call your local Health Department: 

• Montgomery County: 240-777-0311 (Montgomery County 311) 
• Prince George’s County: 301-883-4748 (Prince George’s County 311)
• Howard County: 410-313-1773 (Community Hygiene Department)  

For more information on algal blooms, visit WSSC Water’s Algal Blooms page.