Laurel, Md. – Tuesday, February 11, 2025, at 7:30 p.m. – The pressure in WSSC Water’s distribution system has returned to stable levels - ensuring adequate fire protection for southern Prince George’s County. However, the Boil Water Advisory (BWA) remains in effect for customers in a large portion of the county.
Customers can click on this interactive map and type in their address to see if they live in the area under the BWA.
Although pressure has stabilized, customers in the impacted area should continue to boil their water for consumption, but can use water for flushing toilets, washing hands, showering, and doing dishes/laundry. All stored water, drinks or ice made recently should be discarded.
Follow these guidelines if you are in the impacted area:
Bring water to a rolling boil for one minute then cool it before:
- Drinking
- Brushing teeth
- Washing fruits and vegetables
- Preparing baby food and formula
- Making ice
- Giving to pets
The BWA is necessary following an active water main break, which caused a large portion of the WSSC Water system in southern Prince George’s County to lose water and pressure. When this occurs, there is an increased risk of contamination to the water distribution system. WSSC Water recommends if you live in the affected area, you should boil your water per the guidelines stated above.
WSSC Water will test samples from the impacted area to ensure the water is safe for consumption, per Maryland Department of the Environment guidelines. Once water safety has been confirmed, WSSC Water will lift the BWA and will notify customers that the advisory has been lifted. At this time, WSSC Water anticipates the BWA will remain in effect for 36 - 72 hours.
Water Distribution Stations for Customers
WSSC Water has established two water distribution stations to provide bottled water to customers affected by the BWA. Both locations will remain open and operational until 9 p.m. today.
The locations are:
- 6336 Rosecroft Drive, Ft. Washington
- 11000 Thrift Road, Clinton
WSSC Water is providing three gallons of water per vehicle. Additional updates will be provided regarding water station operations tomorrow. This will be weather dependent.
Water Main Repair Update
A 54-inch diameter water main broke early this morning in a wooded area off I-495 near MD 214 which caused a large portion of the WSSC Water system in southern Prince George’s County to lose pressure and, in many cases, lose water entirely.
Repairs to the water main will take some time. Crews will continue working tonight to build an access road and put a bridge in place to reach the location of the broken pipe. Next, excavation will occur. Crews will assess the damage to the pipe and determine how many pipe segments will need to be replaced. The lifting of the BWA is not tied to the completion of water main repairs.
BWA FAQs
- Can I shower or wash my hands with the water without boiling?
- Yes, you can shower or wash hands without boiling as long as you don’t consume the water.
- Can I wash my clothes without boiling the water?
- Can I wash my dishes without boiling the water?
- Are there any issues with flushing toilets or related sanitation uses?
- No, once water service is restored, customers can use the restroom as needed.
Check the WSSC Water website, X (@WSSCWaterNews) and Facebook for updates as this situation develops. For more information, please contact the WSSC Water Emergency Call Center at 301-206-4002.
