Urgent Request – 5:30 p.m. Tuesday, September 29, 2026: Essential-Water-Use-Only Request Continues for All WSSC Water Customers as Potomac Water Filtration Plant Resumes Water Production

Laurel, Md. – September 29, 2026, at 5:30 p.m. – The Potomac Water Filtration Plant (WFP) is once again producing water following an electrical issue this morning that disrupted normal operations. 

While water production has resumed, WSSC Water continues to urge all 1.9 million customers in Montgomery and Prince George’s counties to use water for essential purposes only. The Potomac Plant is ramping up to normal production levels, and the water distribution system must be refilled and stabilized before the essential-water-use-only request can be lifted.

WSSC Water continues to urge all customers to limit all water use through the following measures:

• Use water only as necessary.
• No outdoor water use, including lawn irrigation systems.
• Avoid or limit flushing toilets (do not flush after every use). 
• Avoid or limit using washing machines and dishwashers. 

WSSC Water will continue to provide updates to keep customers informed. Check the WSSC Water website and social media, X (@WSSCWaterNews) and Facebook for updates as this situation develops. 

WSSC Water’s Potomac WFP draws water straight from the Potomac River, producing between 100 and 120 million gallons of drinking water per day. It is the largest of WSSC Water’s two WFPs. The other WFP, Patuxent, is currently producing 90 to 95 million gallons per day. The average demand from customers is approximately 170 million gallons per day.