Following the Recent Potomac Plant Power Outage, State and County Officials Join WSSC Water to Demonstrate Emergency Water Preparedness
Are you Prepared? Make Water Part of Your Emergency Kit
Laurel, Md. – October 13, 2026 – Imagine turning on the faucet and having no water. For most of us, it's hard to imagine, but the recent power outage at WSSC Water's Potomac Water Filtration Plant was a powerful reminder of the importance of being prepared for an unexpected water service interruption.
On Thursday, October 15, Imagine a Day Without Water, Maryland Department of the Environment Secretary Serena McIlwain, Maryland Department of Emergency Management Secretary Russell Strickland, county emergency preparedness officials and county fire departments join WSSC Water to turn awareness into action, showing residents what an emergency water supply looks like, how much water to have on hand and how to safely store it. With winter water main break season approaching, the event will reinforce one simple message: Don’t just imagine a day without water. Be prepared for it.
What: Imagine a Day Without Water: Live demonstration showing customers how to prepare for a water service interruption, including what to have in an emergency water supply, how much water to store and tips for safe storage.
Who: WSSC Water General Manager and CEO Kishia L. Powell
Maryland Department of the Environment Secretary Serena McIlwain
Maryland Department of Emergency Management Secretary Russell Strickland
Prince George’s County Office of Homeland Security Assistant Director Anthony Rease
Montgomery County Office of Emergency Management and Homeland Security Division Chief Zach Estess
Prince George’s County Deputy Fire Chief of Emergency Services Command David Wilson
Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Service Chief Corey Smedley
When: Thursday, October 15, 2026, 10:00 a.m., rain or shine
Where: WSSC Water, 14501 Sweitzer Lane, Laurel, MD (parking lot across from the main building)
EDITOR’S NOTE: This is a highly visual event, including a live demonstration of emergency water supplies, examples of water storage containers and practical tips for how much water households should store and how to store it safely. State and county emergency preparedness officials and fire departments will be on-site, with fire apparatus providing additional visuals.
WSSC Water is a not-for-profit public utility focused on serving our 1.9 million customers, not shareholders. Every dollar collected is reinvested directly into infrastructure, technology and workforce to strengthen reliability, improve service and protect public health for generations to come.