WSSC Water is Winter Ready Ahead of Predicted Snowstorm

Crews Working Around the Clock to Minimize Customer Impacts

Systemwide Preparations Underway to Maintain Service During Extreme Cold

Customers Urged to Prepare for Possible Water Service Disruption & Take Steps to Protect Home Plumbing

Written by

Lyn Riggins

Laurel, Md. – January 23, 2026 – As a major winter snowstorm followed by extreme cold is predicted for the region, WSSC Water is prepared to maintain essential water and wastewater services for our 1.9 million customers in Prince George’s and Montgomery counties. Operational facilities will be staffed 24/7 to monitor conditions and respond to water and sewer emergencies, while keeping employees and emergency contractors safe.

To minimize customer impacts, crews are working around the clock to repair all known water main breaks and leaks ahead of the storm. Since the winter season began on November 1, 2025, WSSC Water crews have responded to 870 water main breaks and leaks.

Snowstorms 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.

To minimize potential impacts to customers, WSSC Water is taking the following measures to prepare for the predicted snow and extreme cold:

Keeping the water distribution system as full as possible
Placing 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
Placing additional personnel strategically throughout both counties
Securing emergency contractors to supplement WSSC Water crews
Readying snow removal equipment at key locations

Due to the predicted snowstorm, and to ensure the safety of our employees and customers, all scheduled appointments for Monday and Tuesday will be canceled. Affected customers will receive a call from WSSC Water to reschedule.

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 https://www.wsscwater.com for any emergency-related updates during the impending winter weather and follow WSSC Water on social media:

There are three easy ways to report water/sewer emergencies:

Call WSSC Water’s 24/7 Emergency Services Center at 301-206-4002
Email emergencycallcenter@wsscwater.com
Use the WSSC Water Mobile App

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 Call Center. The app uses GPS to pinpoint the location so inspectors can be dispatched quickly.

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.