RECEPTION CENTERS AVAILABLE

***8 p.m. Update*** Positive Developments in Effort to Repair 54” Pipe Water Restrictions Continue as Repair Moves Forward, System Under Stress with Water Diverted to Smaller Pipes
	Contact: Jerry Irvine jirvine@wsscwater.com 301-206-8100 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting 301-206-8100 FREE  end_of_the_skype_highlighting
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE   Laurel– July 17, 2013:  Repairs on the 54-inch pipe in Forestville continue to move forward without complications. Earlier today work crews installed “trench box” surrounding the failing pipe and then began cutting out the weakened section. This cutting will continue for hours and then the replacement pipe will need to be fitted into place. Once repairs to the pipe are completed it will take several more days for the work to conclude.   As reported earlier today, a water emergency in southern Prince George’s County was averted when dedicated WSSC workers “unfroze” and closed a key valve near the failing pipe.  Positive developments regarding the repairs, coupled with news of ongoing conservation efforts, means WSSC will be able to repair the failing pipe with no disruption in service to customers.   However, mandatory water restrictions remain in effect. “If we continue to conserve, I am confident the system will remain full while we complete repairs,” said Jerry N. Johnson, WSSC General Manager/CEO earlier today. “I want to thank our customers who have done a terrific job of conserving, Prince George’s County officials for their efforts, and to thank our employees who wouldn’t give up on a troublesome valve.”   The restrictions are mandatory to preserve firefighting capabilities and to ensure a continuous supply in the system. To find out if you are in the affected area, please visit our online interactive map.   Until repairs are complete, it is imperative that all business and residential customers restrict their water use. The less water that is used, the longer it will be available for critical functions to customers in this affected area.     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 WSSC customers, commercial and residential, in the affected area of Prince George’s counties.   WSSC will provide updates through the local media, social media and at www.wsscwater.com until mandatory restrictions are no longer necessary.   Reception Centers   Reception Centers are designed to provide residents with a place where they can take showers, clean-up, get water and cool off. Reception Centers will be open from 8:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. starting on Wednesday, July 17, 2013. Bottled water will be available at the reception centers.   Stephen Decatur Middle School 8200 Pinewood Drive Clinton, MD 20735   Friendly High School10000 Allentown Road Fort Washington, MD 20744   Shelters Shelters are designed for residents who have been displaced and require overnight accommodations. Shelter locations have been identified and will be opened as needed. The first shelter to open will be at:   Wise High School 12650 Brooke Lane Upper Marlboro, MD 20772 #311 For those who are trying to reach Emergency Services #311, the first recording is that those who are impacted by the water restrictions in southern Prince George’s County as WSSC customer can hit Option #4.   There is a limit of 2 gallons per person.   Hours are noon to 9 p.m. on Wednesday and from 8 am to 9 p.m. on the following days until the outage is over.   Hillcrest Heights Elementary4305 22nd Place Hillcrest Heights, Md. 20748   Thurgood Marshall Middle School4909 Brinkley Rd. Temple Hills, Md. 20748   Oxon Hill Elementary School7701 Livingston Rd. Oxon Hill, Md. 20745