WSSC Lifts Essential Water-Use-Only Request for 1.9 Million Customers Monday

WSSC Water lifted its essential-water-use-only request at 1:20 p.m. Monday for all 1.9 million customers in Prince George’s and Montgomery counties, citing the public’s conservation efforts and ongoing repairs to dozens of breaks and leaks. The utility said the decision reflects reduced system stress and thanked residents for their cooperation.

WSSC Water’s final update noted, “Due in part to the public’s water‑conservation efforts, WSSC Water has lifted the essential‑water‑use‑only request as of 1:20 p.m. today for all 1.9 million customers in Prince George’s and Montgomery counties.” The agency also posted, “WSSC Water appreciates our customers' cooperation, partnership & patience.” The utility’s web page carrying the announcement was last modified at 1:59 p.m. on February 2, 2026, and includes an internal asset reference listed as 1769184998.

The essential-use directive was first issued on January 27 after frigid temperatures and a winter storm that brought snow and sleet across the region triggered a significant increase in water main breaks and leaks. Public messaging throughout the short emergency stressed simple conservation actions: take shorter showers, quickly turn off faucets, limit toilet flushing, and use washing machines and dishwashers only for full loads. Officials warned that following those steps could help prevent a boil-water advisory from becoming necessary.

Operational snapshots in the days before the lift showed 39 known water main breaks and leaks. A Sunday morning update recorded the 39 incidents, and a Monday morning Facebook post reiterated the same count while noting crews were working around the clock. The Facebook message read verbatim: “▶️39 known water main breaks and leaks. ▶️Crews continue working 24/7. ▶️Some repairs are taking longer than normal b/c” — the post is truncated at that point. WSSC also directed customers to use its interactive map to locate reported breaks and leaks near their neighborhoods.

WSSC emphasized that drinking water was unaffected by a separate sanitary sewer overflow following a collapse of a DC Water sewer main in Montgomery County, stating, “Drinking water not impacted by sanitary sewer overflow after collapse of DC Water’s sewer main in Montgomery County.” Officials added that “water is still safe to drink, with no need to boil.”

Residents seeking updates or to report problems can contact WSSC Customer Service at 301-206-4001 (weekdays 8:00 a.m.–6:00 p.m.), use the IVR at 301-206-4001 available 24/7, call toll-free at 800-828-6439, or TTY at 301-206-8345. The One Stop Shop is open weekdays 8:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m. WSSC’s social channels include @WSSCWaterNews on X, WSSC Water on Facebook and Instagram, @wsscwater.bsky.social on Bluesky, and @WSSCWaterVideos on YouTube, and the utility asks customers to consult its Final Update News Release and the online map for the latest information.

For Prince George’s County residents, the lift signals a return toward normal household routines but not an end to vigilance: crews remain on 24/7 repairs, some fixes have taken longer than usual, and WSSC says it will continue monitoring the system and posting updates.