WSSC Water lifts water restrictions for southern parts of Prince George’s County

PRINCE GEORGE’S COUNTY, Md. ( DC News Now ) — WSSC Water lifted its essential water-use-only restriction request for customers in the southern parts of Prince George’s County early Friday morning.

In an update on Sept. 6, the utility company announced the project finished ahead of schedule and the restrictions were lifted around 4 a.m.

WSSC Water said since late Wednesday, crews worked around the clock to replace a failing section of a water main.

The section was of a 36-inch diameter prestressed concrete cylinder pipe (PCCP) water transmission main.

During the construction, crews reinstalled the Acoustic Fiber Optic Monitoring (AFO) system and recharged the water main.

This allowed the water distribution system in the county to return to normal.

Officials said the old pipe was taken to the WSSC’s maintenance facility nearby for a complete forensic analysis.

Residents who live in the area may experience discolored water. WSSC Water recommends customers flush the cold water lines by completing the following steps:

• Run all cold water taps for about five minutes or until the water is clear.
• Begin with the lowest faucet in your home or business and then open the other faucets one at a time, moving from your lowest floor to your highest.
• Once the water runs clear, usually in five minutes or less, turn off your faucets in the same order, lowest to highest.
• You should also flush your refrigerator’s water lines.

Officials said the one-way traffic along Dower House Road near Old Pick Way will remain in effect on Friday, as crews remain on-site for road restoration.

WSSC Water encourages drivers to slow down and stay alert while traveling through work zones.

For any water or sewer emergency, customers can call the WSSC Water Emergency Services Center at 301-206-4002.

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