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

*** 1:45 p.m. Update ***

Washington Suburban Sanitary Commission
Working to Repair River Road Break in Bethesda

Water Safe to Drink; Traffic Impact Considerable

LAUREL, MD (December 23, 2008 ): The Washington Suburban Sanitary Commission (WSSC) is continuing to work to repair a 66–inch water main break in the Bethesda area near 8500 block of River Road. At 1:15 p.m., WSSC crews were able to shut down the main and begin restoring water pressure to the customers affected by the break. All customers in the area should have their service restored by 2 p.m.

The water is safe to drink. However, some of our customers may experience discolored water for the next 12 to 24 hours. Discolored water due to sedimentation poses no health hazard. It is free from harmful bacteria. You can drink the discolored water, but it may taste different. WSSC does not recommend that you used discolored water to prepare baby formula. Clothes laundering should be postponed until the discolored water condition clears up.

There is significant damage to River Road, closing the road in the area between Bradley Boulevard and Seven Locks Road. The road will remain closed for an extended period of time. WSSC strongly recommends that area residents take alternate routes to avoid the area.

The break occurred at approximately 7:55 a.m. this morning. The main in question was put into service in 1964.

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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.