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

WSSC General Manager Comments on “World Toilet Day”

Thousands plan to demonstrate worldwide to attract attention to the problem of inadequate sewage systems in many countries

LAUREL, MD (November 19, 2009): Washington Suburban Sanitary Commission (WSSC) General Manager/CEO Jerry N. Johnson today commended all of the people taking part in World Toilet Day to help raise awareness for the 2.5 billion people who don't have access to toilets and healthy sanitation systems.

“In the Washington area and throughout the United States we take for granted well-run sanitation systems such as the one operated by WSSC in Montgomery and Prince George’s counties,” said Johnson. “Unfortunately, in undeveloped countries, the lack of sanitary sewage systems leads to tens of thousands of deaths from fecally transmitted diseases.”

There are observances all over the world today to raise greater awareness of the problems caused by lack of toilets. That included a demonstration this afternoon on the West Front of the Capitol by advocates for healthy sanitation disposal.

WSSC operates nearly 5,400 miles of underground sewer pipeline serving 1.8 million residents in the two counties. WSSC was founded in 1918 by the Maryland General Assembly because unhealthy sewage disposal led to deaths from communicable diseases such as typhoid fever. “Our system is crucial to the health of our customers and the economic well-being of our region. But it is aging and we are in the midst of extensive upgrades to improve the infrastructure and to meet regulatory requirements which protect the environment and improve the Chesapeake Bay,” said Johnson. “So events like this demonstrate that we can’t forget what we take for granted every day. And all of these enhancements are expensive.”

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Established in 1918, today WSSC is the 8th largest water and wastewater utility in the nation, with a network of more than 5,500 miles of fresh water pipeline and nearly 5,400 miles of sewer pipeline. Serving 1.8 million residents in Prince George’s and Montgomery Counties our drinking water has always met or exceeded federal standards.