WSSC Water Quickly Responds to Overflow of Wastewater in Prince George’s County

Laurel, Md. – July 18, 2022 – WSSC Water quickly responded to and stopped an overflow of wastewater near its Piscataway Water Resource Recovery Facility on Farmington Road in Accokeek. The spill, caused by a damaged pipe near the facility’s raw water pumping station, started at approximately 8:45 a.m. on Saturday, July 16, and ended at 8:22 p.m. that same day.  
 
The total volume of the spill was approximately 21,000 gallons of wastewater, some of which entered nearby Piscataway Creek. The estimated volume was researched and calculated at 9:15 a.m. today. Crews set up a bypass to pump wastewater around the broken section of pipe while repairs are being made. 
 
It is important to note that the water and wastewater systems are separate. This spill is NOT affecting WSSC Water’s drinking water. 
 
Appropriate notifications have been made to the Maryland Department of the Environment and the Prince George’s County Health Department. Lime was spread on the impacted area and signs were posted to notify citizens to avoid the area.   
 
WSSC Water is committed to protecting the health of the public and the environment. With more than 5,600 miles of sewer mains throughout its service area, WSSC Water appreciates notifications from citizens if a sewer overflow or water main break is suspected. Citizens can call WSSC Water’s 24-hour Emergency Call Center at 301-206-4002 to report water or sewer emergencies in Prince George’s or Montgomery counties. Customers can also report emergencies via email at emergencycallcenter@wsscwater.com and those customers who have smart phones can report emergencies using the WSSC Water Mobile App.