WASHINGTON SUBURBAN SANITARY COMMISSION 14501 Sweitzer Lane, Laurel, Maryland 20707-5902. (301) 206-8100. Fax:(301) 206-8186. E-Mail:communications@wsscwater.com

***update 1:30 A.M.***

RESULTS FOR FIRST ROUND OF WATER TESTING IN AREA AFFECTED BY BOIL WATER ADVISORY IN MONTGOMERY COUNTY

BOIL WATER ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT

(Laurel, MD June 18, 2008): The Washington Suburban Sanitary Commission (WSSC) has completed the first tests of water samples taken following the Boil Water Advisory that was issued Monday morning.

The results show that all 18 samples taken were negative, meaning they showed no signs of harmful bacteria.

The Maryland Department of the Environment (MDE) requires WSSC to conduct the tests before they will recommend lifting the Boiled Water Advisory. MDE requires two consecutive sets of all-negative results. The test results of the second set of samples will be available this evening . It takes 24 hours to determine the results of the water sample tests. The water samples are collected from a variety of locations within the area affected by the Boil Water Advisory.

The boil water advisory was issued as a precaution following last Sunday’s break of a 48-inch water main near Muncaster Mill Road and Meadowside Lane.

The boil water advisory affects WSSC customers who live outside the beltway in Montgomery County. Under the advisory, customers are urged to use bottled water or to bring water to a rolling boil for one minute and cool before drinking, making ice, brushing teeth and preparing food. Customers who are unsure if they reside in the boil water area, should go to the WSSC website, www.wsscwater.com to view the new interactive Google Map and to get more information see “Boil Water Advisory Information.”

WSSC urges the public to share this information with all the other people who drink this water, especially those who may not have received this notice directly (for example, people in apartments, nursing homes, schools, and businesses). You can do this by posting this notice in a public place or distributing copies by hand or mail.

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***update 5:00 P.M.***

SECOND ROUND OF WATER TESTING ORDERED FOR MONTGOMERY COUNTY

BOIL WATER ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT

(Laurel, MD June 17, 2008): The Maryland Department of the Environment (MDE) has requested the Washington Suburban Sanitary Commission (WSSC) to conduct a second round of tests of the public water system in Montgomery County. MDE is requiring results from two consecutive rounds of tests before lifting the boil water advisory.

The boil water advisory was issued as a precaution following last Sunday’s break of a 48-inch water main near Muncaster Mill Road and Meadowside Lane. The first round of tests results are not expected until after midnight. The second round of tests is being conducted today. It takes 24 hours to determine the results of the water sample tests. The water samples are collected from a variety of locations around the county and analyzed for coliform and appropriate levels of chlorine.

The boil water advisory affects WSSC customers who live outside the beltway in Montgomery County. Under the advisory, customers are urged to use bottled water or to bring water to a rolling boil for one minute and cool before drinking, making ice, brushing teeth and preparing food. Customers who are unsure if they reside in the boil water area, should go to the WSSC website, www.wsscwater.com to view the new interactive Google Map and to get more information see “Boil Water Advisory Information.”

WSSC urges the public to share this information with all the other people who drink this water, especially those who may not have received this notice directly (for example, people in apartments, nursing homes, schools, and businesses). You can do this by posting this notice in a public place or distributing copies by hand or mail.

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***update 2:00P.M.***

BOIL WATER ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT

Interactive Google Map Feature Added to Website for Customers

(Laurel, MD June 17, 2008): The Washington Suburban Sanitary Commission (WSSC) has just added an interactive Google Map feature to their website to aid Montgomery County residents in determining whether they reside in the boil water advisory area. At this time, the advisory remains in effect in some areas of the county.

To view the new interactive Google Map or area images, and to get more information, go to the WSSC website, www.wsscwater.com and see “Boil Water Advisory Information.” The areas where the boil water advisory is still in effect have been reduced because we were able to better define areas affected by the break.

Residents of the City of Rockville are not affected by the boil water advisory because they have a separate water supply.

When water systems lose pressure there is an increased risk of contamination. Only boiled or bottled water should be used for drinking, making ice, washing dishes, brushing teeth and preparing food.

For more information, please contact WSSC Communications at 301.206.8100.

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***update 12:30 P.M.***

MONTGOMERY COUNTY RESIDENTS URGED TO FLUSH WATER SYSTEM

BOIL WATER ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT

(Laurel, MD June 17, 2008): The Washington Suburban Sanitary Commission (WSSC) is asking Montgomery County residents who have discolored water to run their faucets until the water runs clear. Customers are asked to flush the pipes while testing of water samples is being done.

The first water samples were taken for testing early this morning. It normally takes 24 hours for the test results to be confirmed. The tests will determine if there are any harmful organisms in the water. Other tests have already determined the water contains appropriate levels of chlorine.

Following Sunday’s break of a 48-inch water main, thousands of Montgomery County residents who live outside of the beltway were advised by the WSSC and the Maryland Department of the Environment to boil water before consuming it or using it in the preparation of food. Although there was no evidence of contamination of the water, the boil water advisory was issued as a precaution.

The Washington Suburban Sanitary Commission (WSSC) has posted on its web site a map showing areas of Montgomery County where residents should continue boiling their water before consuming it. To view the map and to get more information, go to the WSSC website, www.wsscwater.com and click on “Areas Affected by Boil Water Order.” The areas where the boil water advisory is still in effect have been reduced because we were able to better define areas impacted by the break.

Residents of the City of Rockville are not affected by the boil water advisory because they have a separate water supply.

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***update 9:00 P.M.***

WATER RESTORED TO MONTGOMERY COUNTY
MANDATORY WATER RESTRICTION IS LIFTED

BOIL WATER ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT

(Laurel, MD June 16, 2008): The Washington Suburban Sanitary Commission (WSSC) announced tonight that water service has been restored to all of Montgomery County and a mandatory water restriction has been lifted. The precautionary boil water advisory remains in effect for three days in some areas of the county.

The Washington Suburban Sanitary Commission (WSSC) has posted on its web site a map showing areas of Montgomery County where residents should continue boiling their water before consuming it. To view the map and to get more information, go to the WSSC website, www.wsscwater.com and click on “areas affected by boil water order.” The areas where the boil water advisory is still in effect have been reduced because we were able to better define areas impacted by the break.

Although there was no evidence of contamination of the water, WSSC and Maryland Department of the Environment recommended that residents who live in some parts of Montgomery County outside of the beltway boil their water as a precaution.

WSSC has hired private contractors to repair the broken 48” pre cast concrete cylinder that broke Sunday night, causing water shortages and low water pressure in communities outside of the beltway. The water main was constructed in 1970.

Residents of the City of Rockville are not affected by the boil water advisory because they have a separate water supply.

When water systems lose pressure there is an increased risk of contamination. Only boiled or bottled water should be used for drinking, making ice, washing dishes, brushing teeth and preparing food.

The mandatory water restriction was imposed in an effort to maintain water pressure for fire protection.

The water main break was discovered at 9:15 p.m. on Sunday evening in an area of the Rock Creek Regional Park near Muncaster Mill Road and Meadowside Lane. This resulted in the loss of water pressure or water service for tens of thousands of Montgomery County residents who live outside the beltway.

For more information, please contact WSSC Communications at 301.206.8100.

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***update 4:00 P.M.***

Update: Water Being Restored to Some Customers

MANDATORY WATER RESTRICTIONS AND BOIL WATER ADVISORY REMAIN IN EFFECT

(Laurel, MD June 16, 2008): As of 4:00 p.m. today, water is being restored to large areas of Montgomery County. However, the boil water advisory and mandatory water restrictions remain in effect.

WSSC discovered Monday afternoon that the broken water main in Montgomery County is a 48” pre cast concrete cylinder that was constructed in 1970. Before the water receded earlier today, it was believed that a 36” water main that runs parallel to the broken pipe was defective.

Residents who receive their water from the City of Rockville are not affected by the boil water advisory. Although there was no evidence of contamination in the water, WSSC and Maryland Department of the Environment recommended that residents who live in Montgomery County outside of the Beltway boil their water as a precaution. The boil water advisory is in effect for three days.

Meanwhile, water service continues to be restored in some areas of the county as pressure builds back up in the water system. Full restoration of service may take several more hours. The water main break was discovered at 9:15 p.m. on Sunday evening in an area of the Rock Creek Regional Park near Muncaster Mill Road and Meadowside Lane. This resulted in the loss of water pressure or water service for large areas of Montgomery County outside the Beltway.

When water systems lose pressure there is an increased risk of contamination. Although there is no indication that the water system has been contaminated, only boiled or bottled water should be used for drinking, making ice, washing dishes, brushing teeth and preparing food.

The mandatory water restrictions are part of an effort to maintain water pressure for fire protection. These restrictions include:

• No outside watering
• No filling swimming pools
• No laundry
• No dishwashing
• Limit toilet flushing

The mandatory water use restriction will remain in effect until some time later today, but the boil water advisory will continue for three days.

We regret the inconvenience that this may cause.

Please share this information with all the other people who drink this water, especially those who may not have received this notice directly (for example, people in apartments, nursing homes, schools, and businesses). You can do this by posting this notice in a public place or distributing copies by hand or mail

For more information, please contact WSSC Communications at 301.206.8100.

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***update 10:15***

BOIL WATER ADVISORY FOR CUSTOMERS IN MONTGOMERY COUNTY

MANDATORY WATER RESTRICTIONS ALSO IN EFFECT

WATER HAS BEEN RESTORED TO SOME CUSTOMERS.

EMERGENCY CONTRACTORS ARE BEING HIRED MAKE TO REPAIRS.

(Laurel, MD June 16, 2008): The Washington Suburban Sanitary Commission (WSSC) has issued a precautionary boil water advisory for Montgomery County outside the beltway, with the exception of residents who receive their water from the City of Rockville. In addition, there are mandatory water restrictions in these areas. The water restrictions may be lifted later this evening once water is restored. The boil water advisory is in effect for three days.

Water is being restored in some areas of the county, and pressure is building back up in the water system. However, it may be several more hours before there is full restoration of service. WSSC is hiring emergency contractors to repair the broken water man.

The Washington Suburban Sanitary Commission experienced a major water main break at 9:15 p.m. on Sunday evening. This resulted in the loss of water pressure or water service for large areas of Montgomery County outside the Beltway.

When water systems lose pressure there is an increased risk of contamination. Although we do not have an indication that the water system has been contaminated, as a precaution, the WSSC and the Maryland Department of the Environment recommend if you live in Montgomery County you should bring water to a rolling boil for one minute and cool before using. Only boiled or bottled water should be used for drinking, making ice, washing dishes, brushing teeth and food preparation.

The boil water advisory will continue until further notice or acceptable water quality is confirmed by water testing. We expect this process to take at least three days.

The mandatory water restrictions are part of an effort to maintain water pressure for fire protection. These restrictions include;

• No outside watering
• No filling swimming pools
• No laundry
• No dishwashing
• Limit toilet flushing

These restrictions will remain in effect until some time later today.

We regret the inconvenience that this may cause.

Please share this information with all the other people who drink this water, especially those who may not have received this notice directly (for example, people in apartments, nursing homes, schools, and businesses). You can do this by posting this notice in a public place or distributing copies by hand or mail

For more information, please contact WSSC Communications at 301.206.8100.

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***update 7:15am***

BOIL WATER ADVISORY FOR CUSTOMERS IN PORTIONS OF MONTGOMERY COUNTY

MANDATORY WATER RESTRICTIONS ALSO IN EFFECT

(Laurel, MD June 16, 2008): The Washington Suburban Sanitary Commission (WSSC) is issuing a precautionary boil water advisory for Montgomery County outside the beltway, with the exception of customers who receive their water from the City of Rockville.

The Washington Suburban Sanitary Commission experienced a major water main break at 9:15 p.m. on Sunday evening. This resulted in the loss of water pressure or water service for large areas of Montgomery County outside the Beltway.

When water systems lose pressure there is an increased risk of contamination. Although we do not have an indication that the water system has been contaminated, as a precaution, the WSSC and the Maryland Department of the Environment recommend if you live outside the beltway in Montgomery County, that you boil all water before use. Water should be brought to a rolling boil for one minute and cooled before using. Boiled or bottled water should be used for drinking, making ice, washing dishes, brushing teeth, and food preparation.

The boil water advisory will continue until further notice, the water pressure is returned, the system is thoroughly flushed and the acceptable water quality is confirmed by water testing. We expect this process to take at least three days.

In addition, Mandatory Water Restrictions are now in effect for those customers in this same geographic area. This is an effort to keep up water pressure for fire protection. These restrictions include;

• No outside watering
• No filling swimming pools
• No laundry
• No dishwashing
• Limit toilet flushing

These restrictions will remain in effect until some time later today.

We regret the inconvenience that this may cause.

Please share this information with all the other people who drink this water, especially those who may not have received this notice directly (for example, people in apartments, nursing homes, schools, and businesses). You can do this by posting this notice in a public place or distributing copies by hand or mail

For more information, please contact WSSC Communications at 301.206.8100.

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Major Water Outage in Montgomery County

WSSC has received numerous phone calls from customers in Montgomery County who are either without water or are experiencing low water pressure. We believe there is a water main break in what we call the "Montgomery High Zone". We are searching for the location of that break. This is affecting homes primarily north of Randolph road. Some of the communities affected include parts of Germantown, Olney, Hampshire Green, Burtonsville and Gaithersburg.

At this time we have no estimate on how many customers are affected or how long they will be without water.

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WSSC is the 8th largest water and wastewater utility in the nation, serving more than 1.8 million residents in Prince George’s and Montgomery counties. We operate and maintain seven water and wastewater plants, 5,500 miles of fresh water pipeline and over 5,300 miles of sewer pipeline. In our 90-year history our drinking water has always met or exceeded federal standards.