MANDATORY WATER RESTRICTIONS CONTINUE OVERNIGHT FOR ALL WSSC CUSTOMERS

(Commercial & Residential)

Water from the tap is safe to drink despite reports of discolored water

Contacts:

I.J. Hudson

301-312-1468

(After hours number for media inquires only, customers with water/sewer emergencies should call 301-206-4002
Lyn Riggins
ihudson@wsscwater.com
lriggin@wsscwater.com

LAUREL - June 30, 2012: The mandatory water restrictions put in place early this morning will remain in effect at least overnight for all Washington Suburban Sanitary Commission (WSSC) customers, residential and commercial in Montgomery and Prince George's counties.

Power has been restored to WSSC's water filtration plants, but we still face challenges in moving water through the distribution system because some pumping stations remain without power.
We are making progress, but need additional time to top off our system as we likely will face another very hot day and increased demand as more people regain their power.  We also want sufficient reserves to maintain pressure at the fire hydrants for firefighters.
WSSC's water is safe to drink, however it is imperative all customers follow the mandatory water restrictions as we work to refill our distribution system. Some customers are experiencing discolored water. This is common after a powerful storm. Sediment inside the pipes can be stirred up causing the water to become discolored. While this water is safe to drink, WSSC does not recommend using discolored water to prepare baby formula. Washing machines should be used sparingly during mandatory water restrictions and WSSC does not recommend washing clothes with discolored water.
Until the distribution system has refilled, it is imperative that all business and residential customers restrict their water use.

Customers need to:

·        Stop all outside water use - no watering lawns, shrubs, flowers; no washing cars, no topping off swimming pools

·        Use water only as necessary - i.e., shorter showers and turn off faucets after washing hands

·        Limit flushing toilets (do not flush after every use)

·        Postpone using washing machines and dishwashers

These mandatory water restrictions apply to all WSSC customers, commercial and residential, in Prince George's and Montgomery counties.
WSSC will provide updates through the local media and throughwww.wsscwater.com until mandatory restrictions are no longer necessary.

We understand the water restrictions are an inconvenience for our customers during this extremely hot weather. We appreciate your patience and cooperation. 

 

POWER OUTAGE TIPS FROM THE GOVERNOR:

 

June 30, 2012
Dear Friend,    We hope you and your family are safe after last night's violent storms. As a State, we continue to work with our local partners to assess the situation and will send out updates as we have them.

With temperatures expected to reach over 100 degrees today in parts of Maryland and more storms anticipated later today, we wanted to share a few safety tips with you and encourage those of you with power to open up  your homes to friends and family who have lost power.

• Drink plenty of water and avoid alcoholic beverages
• If you are without power, visit a friend or family's house with air conditioning 
• If you are without power, visit a library, mall or other public location with air conditioning
• If you are without power, visit a local cooling center
• Stay away from downed wires
• NEVER operate a generator indoors
• Avoid the use of candles---use flashlights instead
• When a traffic light is out, treat it as a 4-way stop
• If your power is out, keep the refrigerator and freezer doors closed to avoid food spoilage.

We are all in this together. Please check on your family and friends--especially the elderly--and invite them over if you have air conditioning.

Our emergency management team will continue to send updates. VisitMEMA's website to find out where cooling centers are near you and for more safety tips. You can also follow @MDMEMA on Twitter. I'll do my best to send updates from @GovernorOMalley.

Thank you in advance for helping ensure the safety of our people,
Martin O'Malley
Governor