WSSC Water asking Montgomery, Prince George’s customers to limit water usage due to cold damage

The WSSC Water utility is asking customers to use less water after cold temperatures caused water main breaks and leaks.

The utility asked 1.9 million customers in Montgomery and Prince George’s counties to limit water use on Tuesday and reiterated its request on Wednesday.

WSSC Water said on social media that as of Wednesday afternoon, it had found 41 water main breaks or leaks brought on by the cold snap.

WSSC Water recommends that people take shorter showers and limit toilet flushing and dishwasher and washing machine usage.

Due to the freezing temperatures, WSSC Water also recommends that customers leave a faucet open to let water trickle out while they are at home to keep water moving through the pipes and prevent the drains from freezing.

The Washington Suburban Sanitary Commission said its water is still safe.

The utility said that following its recommendations could continue to help customers “avoid a boil water advisory and help preserve water for system storage and fire protection as crews work to repair breaks/leaks across a 1,000-square-mile service area.”