1.9 million Montgomery County, Prince George's County residents urged to conserve water

WASHINGTON - Nearly 2 million residents across Prince George's County and Montgomery County are being urged to conserve water as WSSC Water says there's been a significant increase in the number of water main breaks and leaks brought on by the frigid temperatures. 

Officials sent an update at 8:45 p.m. Sunday, saying they were responding to 52 breaks and leaks. In total, they say there's been 150 breaks in the last five days.

They ask residents to only use water for essential purposes – effective immediately. This means:

• Use water only as necessary – i.e., take shorter showers and quickly turn off faucets immediately after use.
• Limit flushing toilets (do not flush after every use).
• Limit using washing machines and dishwashers.

"Take shorter showers. If you can hold off doing your laundry, if you can hold off on running the dishwasher, just be really mindful with your water usage. I know it’s tough, not flush the toilet after every use, all of our customers limiting their use to essential use only should help us get through this," WSSC spokesperson Lynn Riggins said. 

They say at this time, water is safe and there is no need to boil before use and that conservation efforts could help prevent a boil water advisory.

While the cool air temperatures play a factor, FOX 5 is told the water being taken in from the Potomac River is also colder and when that colder water circulates in the system, compared to the temperatures the pipes are used to, that causes breaks.

Combine all of that with the fact that 40 percent of the water mains are 50 years or older and that so many of these mains are breaking in a short amount of time.

WSSC Water says they have called in additional crews and emergency contractors to search for any unreported breaks and leaks and make repairs.

"This was not a surprise. We have our crews ready for it. We have our emergency contractors ready, but we’ve gone the extra step now to say customers could you please limit your water use while we stabilize, hopefully stabilize the system and avoid a boil water advisory, and ensure fire protection for all our customers," Riggins said. 

Customers are urged to contact WSSC Water’s Emergency Services Center at (301) 206-4002 if they smell chlorine, which is used to disinfect drinking water. 

Reports can also be made via the WSSC Water Mobile App using the Report a Problem feature.