UPDATE: WSSC Water Continues Emergency Operations During Severe Winter Snowstorm

Laurel, Md. – January 26, 2026 @ 4:30 p.m. – Due to the extreme cold, WSSC Water expects an increase in water main breaks and leaks, frozen pipes and drinking water production challenges. Customers are urged to contact WSSC Water’s 24/7 Emergency Services Center to report a water/sewer emergency – including if they have no water in their home/business. There are three ways to contact us: 

• Email emergencycallcenter@wsscwater.com.
• Use the WSSC Water Mobile App – Report a Problem.
• Call 301-206-4002. 

WSSC Water is closely monitoring calls and will proactively increase staffing in our Emergency Services Center to handle higher call volumes to ensure emergencies are addressed as quickly as possible. If customers are having difficulty getting through on the phone, please use email or our Mobile App to report issues.  

Tips to Protect Home Plumbing 

• 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.
• 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.
• Keep indoor temperatures above 55 degrees to help prevent frozen pipes.
• Consider insulation for pipes in colder areas of the home. 
• Turn off water to outside faucets, remove hoses, and drain pipes. 

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. 

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. 

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. 

WSSC Water Continues Emergency Operations 

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. 

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 two active water main breaks. Since the start of the winter season on November 1, 2025, WSSC Water crews have responded to 906 water main breaks and leaks.  

When a water main breaks, crews prioritize repairs that affect system water pressure, impact large numbers of customers, or pose roadway safety risks. In contrast, leaks are typically smaller issues that do not cause damage and can often be left in place without disrupting customer service or overall system operations. WSSC Water is applying salt at active leak locations to prevent icing and placing signs where leaks have already been reported. 

Due to the weather, 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. 

In-Person Operations for Tuesday, January 27, 2026 

WSSC Water’s Customer Service Call Center will be open on Tuesday, January 27. 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 Tuesday, January 27, 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 

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.