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WSSC Water Customers Also Urged to Report Water Surfacing/Flowing in Streets and Rights of Way
Predicted Increase in Breaks/Leaks Due to Extreme Cold Happening Now
Water Demand Sharply Increasing as Extreme Cold Impacts Drinking Water Production
Laurel, Md. – January 27, 2026, 11:15 a.m. – WSSC Water is urging all 1.9 million customers in Montgomery and Prince George’s counties to only use water for essential purposes effective immediately. At this time, water is safe and there is no need to boil before essential use.
The urgent essential-water-use-only request is being issued due to the predicted increase in the number of water main breaks and leaks brought on by the frigid temperatures, including break locations that have not yet been identified. At this time, WSSC Water is aware of 33 breaks/leaks.
Adhering to the following guidance could avoid a Boil Water Advisory and help preserve water for system storage and fire protection as crews work to repair breaks/leaks across a 1,000-square-mile service area.
Until further notice, all customers are being urged to:
Because of the extreme cold and the possibility of pipes freezing inside customers’ homes, WSSC Water continues to advise customers to leave a faucet running on a trickle when they are home to keep water moving through the pipes. The amount of water used to keep water flowing at a trickle through pipes will have minimal impact on demand and may save customers from costly repairs caused by frozen or broken pipes in their homes. It is also advisable to open cabinet doors to expose pipes to your home’s warmth.
Customers are also urged to immediately report any water surfacing or flowing down streets, sidewalks or rights of way. Identifying and repairing hidden breaks as quickly as possible is critical to maintaining reliable water service to customers.
There are three ways to contact us:
Water demand has increased sharply over the past 24 hours – far beyond what is typically seen this time of year. System data indicates that there are unreported water main breaks within WSSC Water’s massive distribution system – covering a 1,000-square-mile area. Heavy snowfall and extreme winter conditions are significantly limiting crews’ ability to visually locate breaks, making customer reports essential to prevent pressure loss in the system. A loss of pressure in a water distribution system can result in a Boil Water Advisory (BWA). There is currently no BWA.
At the same time demand has dramatically increased, WSSC Water is facing water production challenges at both filtration plants due to extreme cold temperatures.
WSSC Water has called in additional maintenance crews, staff from other departments and emergency contractors to search for any unreported breaks/leaks to make repairs.
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.
To maintain system pressure, WSSC Water inspectors may have to shut down broken/leaking mains before dispatching repair crews to the break to keep system pressures stable.
This may result in longer-than-usual repair times, and customers may experience water outages or lower pressure for more extended periods. WSSC Water thanks customers for their patience.
This is a rapidly evolving situation, and WSSC Water will provide continuous updates to keep customers informed. Customers are encouraged to check https://www.wsscwater.com and follow WSSC Water on social media:
WSSC Water is the proud provider of safe, seamless and satisfying water services, making the essential possible every day for our neighbors in Montgomery and Prince George’s counties. We work to deliver our best because it’s what our customers expect and deserve.