Water Distribution System is Replenished to Normal Levels and Power Delivery to Plant Remains Stable
WSSC Water Appreciates the Cooperation, Partnership and Patience of Customers
Laurel, Md. – September 30, 2026, at 5:00 p.m. – WSSC Water’s essential-water-use-only request has been lifted as of 5:00 p.m. for all 1.9 million customers in Montgomery and Prince George’s counties.
WSSC Water’s Potomac Water Filtration Plant continues to produce water to meet customer demand. The water distribution system is replenished to normal levels and power delivery to the plant remains stable and adequate.
The plant continues to operate under a temporary internal electrical configuration while WSSC Water crews work to implement a permanent power solution and ensure the continued reliable operation of the plant.
WSSC Water appreciates the cooperation, partnership, and patience of customers. Their efforts to limit water use helped preserve water in the system, avoid a potential Boil Water Advisory and ensure adequate fire protection across both counties. WSSC Water also appreciates the partnership and support of federal, state and local agencies throughout this incident.
Background
The Potomac Water Filtration Plant has two power feeds and can operate fully with either one. One feed was taken out of service in mid-September for routine maintenance by Pepco to ensure electricity coming into the plant is more reliable and resilient.
The second electrical feed, which was providing all power to the plant, failed yesterday at approximately 4:30 a.m. and could not be restored. Pepco immediately mobilized to restore the electrical feed that had been taken down for maintenance. This feed was restored at approximately 12 p.m. yesterday.
While the external power feed was restored, internal electrical issues inside the plant prevented the facility from restarting. Crews at the plant conducted a heroic effort to solve the problem and restored power to the facility at approximately 3:45 p.m. yesterday. The plant continues to operate under a temporary electrical configuration, which remains stable and adequate.