WSSC Water Responds to COVID-19

Public Safety Measures

• Suspending all customer water service shutoffs
• Suspending all planned water shutdowns related to planned construction work for the foreseeable future – at least until the State of Emergency is lifted.
• Waiving late fees and working one-on-one with customers to customize payment plans.
• All WSSC Water scheduled public meetings have been postponed until April 12 (reassessed on an ongoing basis). All future in-person, public Commission meetings are postponed indefinitely until further notice.
• All WSSC Water buildings are closed to the public for the foreseeable future, including The One-Stop-Shop for permits  
• The payment drop box is operational located in the parking lot (14501 Sweitzer Lane in Laurel).
• WSSC Water’s Satellite Offices in both Montgomery and Prince George’s Counties are closed until April 12.
• The Visitor’s Center at Brighton Dam will be closed until April 12.

Employee Safety Measures

• All in-home, non-emergency work, including meter reading, in-home water sampling and plumbing/gas inspections, is suspended and reassessed on a weekly basis.
• Managers have mandated telework for employees whose job-related functions can be achieved via telework for the foreseeable future.
• We are enabling as many employees as possible to telework, including altering normal job responsibilities.
• Managers are implementing social distancing strategies for any employees required to come in to work. This includes changes in shifts, schedules, or other strategies.
• Water utility workers, including those at WSSC Water, are protected by standard safety practices and personal protective equipment.

Coronavirus Is Not Transmitted via Water

• Our tap water is safe for all normal uses – drinking, cooking, hand-washing, etc. You do not need to boil your water. 
• According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the COVID-19 virus has not been detected in drinking water.
• Water treatment methods (filtration and disinfection) should remove or inactivate the virus that cause COVID-19.
• For more information on water transmission and COVID-19, click here for the CDC website.

General Coronavirus Prevention Tips

Health officials for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) encourage the following everyday actions to help prevent the spread of respiratory viruses, including:

• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60 percent alcohol.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
• Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
• Stay home when you are sick.
• Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.