The Washington Suburban Sanitary Commission on Monday evening lifted its request for customers in Prince George’s and Montgomery counties to use water for essential purposes only.
The commission issued a water conservation request on Sunday after a significant increase in water main breaks and leaks due to cold temperatures, according to a Sunday news release from WSSC Water, which provides water and wastewater services to the two counties, including the University of Maryland’s campus.
Water storage levels have returned to normal, and water distribution system demand and pressure have stabilized as of 6:30 p.m., according to a news release from the commission on Monday evening.
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WSSC Water was responding to 63 breaks and leaks as of Monday morning, according to a Monday news release from the commission.
Water was safe to use, but conserving it would help avoid a boil water advisory and preserve water for fire protection, the commission said on Sunday.
The 1.9 million residents that WSSC Water serves were urged to take shorter showers, limit flushing toilets and avoid using washing machines and dishwashers to conserve water, Sunday’s news release said.
The commission’s water conservation request included South Campus Commons, according to an email sent to the buildings’ residents on Monday. Residents may experience lower water pressure while the breaks and leaks are being repaired, according to the email.
Community members are encouraged to report leaks or breaks in plumbing to the university’s service center at 301-314-9675, according to an alert on the university’s residential facilities department website.
WSSC Water customers can use the commission’s mobile app or contact the commission’s emergency services center at 301-206-4002 to report any water main breaks or leaks.
This story has been updated.
