Laurel, Md. – September 29, 2026, at 8:45 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 a power issue impacting the operations of WSSC Water’s Potomac Water Filtration Plant (WFP), which supplies drinking water to approximately 75 percent of WSSC Water customers. WSSC Water is working collectively with Pepco to prioritize the restoration of power to the Potomac Plant.
Following the guidance below could avoid a Boil Water Advisory and help preserve water for system storage and fire protection as Pepco crews work to restore electrical service to the plant.
Until further notice, all customers are being urged to conserve water through the following measures:
- Use water only as necessary – i.e., take shorter showers and quickly turn off faucets immediately after use.
- No outdoor water use, including lawn irrigation systems.
- Limit flushing toilets (do not flush after every use).
- Limit using washing machines and dishwashers.
This is a rapidly evolving situation and WSSC Water will provide continuous 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 operational and currently producing 90 to 95 million gallons per day, which is not enough to meet demand. The average demand from customers is approximately 170 million gallons per day.
