WSSC Water Crews Quickly Respond to Sanitary Sewer Overflow in Germantown

Laurel, Md. – August 8, 2024 – WSSC Water crews quickly responded to a Sanitary Sewer Overflow (SSO) today near 19110 Liberty Mill Rd. in Germantown. The overflow, which was detected at approximately 9:00 a.m. today, is ongoing. The total volume of this SSO is estimated to be in excess of 10,000 gallons of untreated wastewater overflowing from a manhole. The cause of the SSO is unknown at this time. 

WSSC Water crews arrived at the scene shortly after the overflow began and continue working to stop the flow of untreated wastewater. Contractors are setting up a temporary bypass pumping operation to move the wastewater around the impacted sewer main to stop the SSO. The untreated wastewater is entering a nearby storm drain that empties into Gunner’s Branch. Multiple signs warning residents to avoid the area have been posted. After the SSO has stopped, crews will investigate to determine the cause. 

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 customers who have smartphones can report emergencies using the WSSC Water Mobile App.