WSSC Water lifts essential-use request after temporary fix at Potomac plant
WSSC lifts water restrictions for Montgomery, Prince George's counties
WSSC Water has lifted restrictions after restoring power to a Potomac plant Wednesday.
POTOMAC, Md. - WSSC Water lifted its essential-use request Wednesday evening after restoring production at its Potomac Water Filtration Plant.
What we know:
A major electrical issue disrupted operations at the plant for most of Tuesday. On Wednesday evening, officials said the water distribution system was replenished to normal levels and power delivery to the plant is stable and adequate.
The plant supplies about 75% of WSSC Water customers.
Crews were on site Wednesday working to fully restore power and return the plant to normal operations. The plant is now producing enough water to meet customer demand.
WSSC officials said the plant is operating under a temporary internal electrical configuration as crews work to implement a permanent power solution.
"There's been no need to boil water. At no time did we believe that the water was unsafe or had any reason to," said general manager Kishia Powell.
The water restriction was in place for all 1.9 million customers in Prince George's and Montgomery counties. No boil water advisories was issued and drinking water remained safe to use.
Maryland Governor Wes Moore said he had been monitoring the situation.
Dig deeper:
WSSC is investigating the cause of the power outage, which has put infrastructure investment back in the spotlight. WSSC said a recent vulnerability assessment found 10 electrical infrastructure repair projects needed at the Potomac plant, which would cost about $150 million over the next 10 years.
In the most recent Report Card for America's Infrastructure, the American Society of Civil Engineers wrote that while recent federal and state investments have had a positive impact, "the full force of increased funding will take years to realize."
The Source: Information in this article comes from WSSC Water.