Council Member Obie Patterson – District 8

Portions of Prince George’s County
Face Water Shortage

Residents Urged to Stock up on Water

Prince George’s County Council Vice Chair Obie Patterson is asking residents to remain calm and to work together with family, friends and neighbors in light of the potential for a 54 inch water main break in the WSSC service pipeline, which will affect the following areas:  Morningside, Hillcrest Heights, Camp Springs, Forest Heights, Temple Hills, and Oxon Hill, including Joint Base Andrews and the National Harbor.  Please remain informed and follow the news.  Additionally, our office will continue to provide updates.

Residents must follow WSSC instructions:

Ahead of the restrictions, customers in the affected area are encouraged to stock up on water because we are expecting a water shortage as a result of the main shut down and subsequent repairs.

1.    Customers should stock up on bottled water for drinking.

2.    Bathtubs can be filled with water to be used to flush toilets. If you have a swimming pool, that water can also be used for flushing toilets.

3.    The water in the system is safe to drink.

Water Storage Information

1.    Store 1-2 gallons of safe water per person per day.

2.    “Safe” is tap water in clean containers or store bought bottled water.

3.    Store 1-2 gallons of purchased distilled water for any individuals with chronic health problems including weakened immune systems.

4.    Store tap water in airtight, clean, food-grade plastic containers.

5.    Do not store drinking water in glass or used milk containers.

6.    Don’t forget to store water for your pets to drink.

7.    You can use the water in your hot-water tank and ice cubes.

8.    Water stored in a bath tub or swimming pool can be used to flush toilets.

9.    Don’t forget, most people in the area are NOT affected.  So contact relatives and friends and ask for their assistance.

 When water restrictions are put in place

Customers need to:

1.    Stop all outside water use – no watering lawns, shrubs, flowers; no washing cars, no topping off swimming pools

2.    Use water only as necessary – i.e., shorter showers and turn off faucets after washing hands

3.    Limit flushing toilets (do not flush after every use)

4.    Postpone using washing machines and dishwashers

Please visit the website below to find out if your or family member’s residence or business will be affected:

WSSC Alerts:  http://www.wsscwater.com/home/jsp/homeAlert.faces

Water Restrictions Map:  http://gisweb.wsscwater.com/waterrestrictions/

WSSC Main Website:  www.wssc.com

For more information please call:  WSSC at 301-206-4002