Boil Water Advisory continues for Southern Prince George’s County after major water main break

Boil Water Advisory: Bottled Water stations open in Prince George's County

WSSC Water has established two water distribution stations to provide bottled water to customers affected by the Boil Water Advisory impacting Southern Prince George’s County. FOX 5's Nana-Sentuo Bonsu has the latest details.

PRINCE GEORGE’S COUNTY, Md. - Pressure in WSSC Water’s distribution system has stabilized, restoring adequate fire protection to southern Prince George’s County.

Boil Water Advisory in Prince George’s County

However, the Boil Water Advisory remains in effect for a large portion of the area, and customers are advised to continue boiling their water.

Customers can use an interactive map to check if their address falls under the advisory area.

Although pressure has returned to normal levels, the BWA is necessary after an active water main break caused widespread loss of water and pressure in the region. The water main break increased the risk of contamination, prompting the advisory.

While customers should boil water for consumption, it is safe to use the water for non-drinking purposes, such as flushing toilets, washing hands, showering, and doing dishes or laundry. Any water, drinks, or ice made recently should be discarded.

WSSC water crews locates main break

Repairs to the 54-inch diameter water main, which broke early this morning near I-495 and MD 214, will take time. Crews are currently working to build access roads and set up a bridge to reach the damaged pipe.

Excavation will begin shortly to assess the damage and determine how many segments need replacing. The lifting of the Boil Water Advisory will not be dependent on the completion of these repairs.

WSSC Water continues to monitor the situation and will update customers on the advisory’s status as more information becomes available.

When will the Boil Water Advisory be lifted?

WSSC Water is conducting tests to ensure water quality meets safety standards before lifting the advisory. Per Maryland Department of the Environment guidelines, the BWA will remain in effect for at least 36 to 72 hours until testing confirms the water is safe.

Customers advised to boil tap water before use

If water is available from the tap, it should be brought to a rolling boil for one minute, then cooled before use for:

Drinking
Brushing teeth
Washing fruits and vegetables
Preparing baby food and formula
Making ice
Giving to pets

All stored water, drinks, or ice made recently should be discarded. Boiled water can be stored in a clean, covered container. Water does not need to be boiled for bathing as long as it is not consumed.

WSSC Water will test samples from the affected area to ensure the water is safe for consumption. Once safety is confirmed, the Boil Water Advisory (BWA) will be lifted, and customers will be notified.

School closings due to break

Here's a list of the schools that will be closed on Tuesday, February 11 due to the major water main break along Pennsylvania Avenue:

Andrew Jackson Academy

Arrowhead ES

Avalon ES

Benjamin Foulois Creative and Performing Arts

Benjamin Stoddart MS

Bradbury Heights ES

Carmody Hills ES

César Chávez Dual Spanish Immersion

Crossland HS

Excel Academy PCS

Francis Scott Key ES

Highland Park ES

Hillcrest Heights ES

Imagine Lincoln PCS

Imagine Morningside PCS

Longfields ES

Maya Angelou French Immersion

North Forestville ES

Overlook Spanish Immersion

Panorama ES

Princeton ES

Samuel Chase ES

Samuel P. Massie Academy

Skyline Administration Building

Suitland ES

Suitland HS

Tayac ES

William Beanes ES

William Hall Academy

Check the WSSC Water website and contact the WSSC Water Emergency Call Center at 301-206-4002 for updates.

Nearly 30 Prince George's County schools closed due to watermain break

Many people in Prince George’s County are dealing with a Boil Water Advisory because of a huge watermain break. FOX 5’s Bob Barnard reports from Upper Marlboro with more.