Laurel, Md. – January 25, 2026 @ 3 p.m. – As a major winter storm moves through the region bringing heavy snow, sleet and extreme cold, WSSC Water remains fully prepared to maintain essential water and wastewater services for our 1.9 million customers in Prince George’s and Montgomery counties. WSSC Water’s Emergency Operations Center remains open with operational facilities staffed 24/7 and crews strategically located throughout a 1,000-square-mile service area to monitor conditions. Staff is ready to quickly respond to water and sewer emergencies, while prioritizing the safety of employees and emergency contractors.
WSSC Water continues taking steps to minimize potential impacts on customers, including the following preparations for the extreme cold:
- Keeping the water distribution system as full as possible.
- Using heavy equipment at the Potomac Water Filtration Plant to ensure ice does not block the plant’s intake.
- Testing and fueling backup generators at critical facilities.
- Fully stocking warehouses with emergency supplies.
- Maintaining contact with emergency contractors to supplement WSSC Water crews.
To minimize customer impacts, crews continue working around the clock to repair all known water main breaks and leaks as conditions allow. Currently, there are zero water main breaks. Since the winter season began on November 1, 2025, WSSC Water crews have responded to 901 water main breaks and leaks.
When water mains break, crews prioritize those that are impacting system water pressure, large numbers of customers and roadway safety. Leaks are generally smaller issues that are not causing damage and can be allowed to continue without impacting service to customers and systemwide operations.
The ongoing extreme cold is likely to increase breaks and leaks, frozen pipes and drinking water production challenges. In the event of a water/sewer emergency, there are three easy ways to report:
The “Report a Problem” feature on WSSC Water’s mobile app allows customers to snap a photo of a water or sewer issue and send it directly to the Emergency Services Center. The app uses GPS to pinpoint the location so inspectors can be dispatched quickly. Snow and sleet can create hazardous road conditions that pose logistical and safety challenges for our crews. As a result, emergency repairs may take longer than usual and could lead to extended service disruptions.
Due to the snowstorm, and in order to protect the safety of our employees and customers, all scheduled in-person appointments for Monday and Tuesday have been canceled. Affected customers will receive a call from WSSC Water to reschedule their appointments.
Operations for Monday, January 26, 2026
WSSC Water’s Customer Service Call Center will be open on Monday, January 26. Customers with account inquiries can reach the Customer Service Center at 301-206-4001 between 8 a.m. and 6 p.m.
In-person WSSC Water functions will be closed on Monday, January 26, including:
- Cashier Window, One-Stop Shop and Permitting Counter in the Support Center building in Laurel
- Permitting offices in both counties
- Brighton Dam Visitors Center
- Meter Rentals Offices
Be Prepared: Store Water
- Customers are encouraged to store water or shelf-stable beverages ahead of time in case of a service disruption caused by a break or loss of power.
- It is recommended to store one to two gallons per person, per day, to last at least three days.
- Remember to store water for infant formula and pets.
It is also important for homeowners to be mindful of the pipes inside their homes during extreme cold. WSSC Water is responsible for the water and sewer pipes in the street and the connections up to the property line. If a pipe freezes or breaks on private property or inside a home or business, it is the property owner’s responsibility to repair it.
Home Winterization Tips
- Locate and operate your main water shut-off valve. If a pipe breaks inside your home, this valve allows you to turn off the water.
- Turn off water to outside faucets, remove hoses, and drain pipes.
- Keep indoor temperatures above 55 degrees to help prevent frozen pipes.
- Consider insulation for pipes in colder areas of the home.
- During an extended cold snap:
- Leave a faucet running on a trickle when you’re home to keep water moving through the pipes.
- Open cabinet doors to expose pipes to your home’s warmth.
If a Pipe in Your Home Freezes
- Completely open the cold-water faucet nearest the frozen pipe to relieve pressure and reduce the chance of breakage.
- Use a hand-held hair dryer if you choose to thaw the pipe yourself.
- If you’re unsure what to do, contact a registered plumber.
Find more winterization tips on our website, including a quick video that shows you how to locate your main water shut-off valve.
Customers are encouraged to check wsscwater.com for any emergency related updates during the impending winter weather and follow WSSC Water on social media: @WSSCWaterNews on X, WSSC Water on Facebook and Instagram, @wsscwater.bsky.socia on Bluesky, and @WSSCWaterVideos on YouTube.
