***UPDATE*** WSSC Water Crews Stop Sanitary Sewer Overflow in Germantown
Crews Installed Bypass Pumping Operation, Stopping Overflow
Drinking Water NOT Impacted
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Laurel, Md. – August 9, 2024 – WSSC Water crews today stopped a Sanitary Sewer Overflow (SSO) near 19110 Liberty Mill Rd. in Germantown. The overflow, detected at approximately 9 a.m. on Thursday, August 8, was stopped at 1:20 a.m. on Friday, August 9.
The total volume of this SSO is estimated to be 78,384 gallons of untreated wastewater, which overflowed from a manhole. Crews will now investigate the cause and develop a plan for permanent repairs.
WSSC Water crews arrived at the scene shortly after the overflow began on Thursday and worked through the night to install a temporary bypass pumping operation to move the wastewater around the impacted section of the 30-inch-diameter sewer main, stopping the SSO. The untreated wastewater entered a nearby storm drain that empties into Gunner’s Branch, which flows into Seneca Creek. Sixty-seven signs warning residents to avoid the area have been posted.
WSSC Water notified the Maryland Department of the Environment and the Montgomery County Department of Health and Human Services.
WSSC Water is committed to protecting the health of the public and the environment. With more than 5,600 miles of sewer mains throughout its service area, WSSC Water appreciates notifications from citizens if a sewer overflow or water main break is suspected. Citizens can call WSSC Water’s 24-hour Emergency Services Center at 301-206-4002 to report water or sewer emergencies in Prince George’s or Montgomery counties.
Customers can also report emergencies via email at emergencycallcenter@wsscwater.com, and those with smartphones can use the WSSC Water Mobile App.
WSSC Water is the proud provider of safe, seamless and satisfying water services, making the essential possible every day for our neighbors in Montgomery and Prince George’s counties. We work to deliver our best because it’s what our customers expect and deserve.