Laurel, Md. – Tuesday, February 11, 2025 at 1:50 p.m. – WSSC Water’s distribution system is slowly refilling as crews build a temporary road to gain access to the broken 54-inch diameter water main responsible for the Boil Water Advisory (BWA) in Southern Prince George’s County. The broken main is located in a wooded area off I-495 near MD 214. Crews have isolated the break (turning off nearby valves), which will allow them to safely begin repairs after the temporary access road is built.
While the system continues to slowly refill, it is important that all customers in the impacted area continue to boil water before any consumption. See guidelines below.
Customers can click on this interactive map and type in their address to see if they live in the impacted areas.
Due to the size of the water main break, it is possible customers in Southern Prince George’s County will have no water/low pressure while the system slowly refills.
This is a developing situation. There is currently no timeframe on when repairs will be complete or when the BWA will be lifted. The lifting of the BWA is not tied to the completion of water main repairs.
If customers living in Southern Prince George’s County have any water coming from their taps, they should bring their 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
All stored water, drinks or ice made recently should be discarded. Boiled water can be stored in a clean container with a cover.
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 pressure and, in many cases, lose water entirely. 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.
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.
Water pressure to customers may be restored before the BWA is lifted. Once pressure is restored, 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.
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.
