Potential Project Impact Sheet
Montgomery County Three-Year System Repair Project List
Prince George's County Three-Year System Repair Project List
Water Main Replacement Program Overview

WSSC Water works continuously to replace old, aging and worn-out infrastructure. With more than 5,900 miles of water mains in Montgomery and Prince George's counties, WSSC Water now replaces old water mains with special pipe: zinc-coated ductile iron pipe or Pritec coated ductile iron pipe. The zinc or Pritec coating helps to fight corrosion, and that gives the pipes an expected lifespan of at least 100 years - much longer than the traditional 50-to-75-year lifespan of traditional iron pipe.
In most cases new watermains will be installed within the roadway
- New house connections (service lines) will be installed up to property line
- Replacing existing pipes helps reduce disruptions to community, environment and emergency services due to water main breaks.
Fire Hydrant Installation - WSSC Water is responsible for providing water for fire protection to Montgomery and Prince George’s counties
- To safeguard public safety, we proactively replace and maintain our fire hydrants to monitor water pressure and flow rate, as well as inspect internal working parts to ensure the highest level of protection
- Per the Fire Safety Code, the maximum spacing between fire hydrants is 250-600 feet, depending on the building structure
- WSSC Water fire hydrants are made of cast iron materials and can last more than 50 years
What to Expect During Construction

- Anticipated work schedule: 9:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., Monday-Friday
- Conditions at some locations may require different work hours
- Residents will be notified at least two days prior to construction activity changes
- Construction activities may include:
- Marking locations of utilities
- Field inspections
- Replacement of water mains, and house connections
- Pavement restoration where digging is necessary
- Temporary Water Service Installation
- Above ground (bypass) pipes may be installed to maintain water service to your home. These pipes will be placed along the roadway edge and provide the same quality of water to your home. The bypass pipes are not used in cold weather months.
- WSSC Water coordinates with local and state agencies, as well as other utilities for all planned work to avoid potential conflict and minimize disturbances to neighborhoods.
- Open-cut construction method, which involves cutting and excavating a section of the pavement. This construction method also creates noise and dust.
Sewer Rehabilitation Program Overview

Strategically replacing and rehabilitating aging infrastructure to enhance service and reliability to customers
- Replacing and repairing aging pipes and manholes as part of our comprehensive sewer rehabilitation program
- Correcting structural deficiencies in sewer mains that may result from soil settlement, root penetration or corrosion. These often contribute to sanitary sewer overflows and backups into homes
- Protecting the environment for future generations.
- Sewer rehabilitation methods include lining, pipe bursting, open-cut, internal and external point repair, replacement, relocation, and armoring.
- Manhole rehabilitation method involves cementitious, epoxy coating, and replacement, and armoring.
- Sewer house connections (laterals) include lining, replacement, and clean-outs.
- Stream restoration design work (in the vicinity of sewer system assets) will include elements that will help control erosion along the stream banks and regulate water flows/elevations.
Traffic Impacts

- Certain construction activities may require temporary changes to traffic patterns that will be managed to minimize community disruptions.
- Access to homes will be maintained. Access into homes is NOT required. Access onto private property is generally NOT required.
- Parking restrictions - WSSC Water will provide 48-hour advance notice (denoted by “No Parking” signs) before any parking restrictions. Any vehicles not removed from the designated area will be towed to a nearby street at no cost to owner.
- Final restoration of sidewalks, roadways and landscaping will take place within 90 days of construction completion and may occur in phases when possible.

Signage & Restoration
- Construction signs with contact persons are placed throughout project area.
- Projects completed during winter months are permanently paved and restored to their original state or better the following spring.
Customer Advocates

- The Customer Advocate provides a support interface between both commercial and residential customers, WSSC Water employees, public officials, county agencies, HOAs/civics and other key external stakeholders with the goal of providing exceptional customer service.
- Advocates are responsible for educating WSSC Water's external customers on a variety of topics including financial assistance, water conservation and other important commission initiatives.
- They also coordinate "on the scene" customer support during emergency events.
