Essential-water-use-only request for all WSSC Water customers

WSSC Water urges all customers in Montgomery County to only use water for essential purposes, effective immediately. At this time, water is safe, and there is no need to boil before essential use.

The urgent essential-water-use-only request was issued on Wednesday, Jan. 27, due to the predicted increase in the number of water main breaks and leaks brought on by the frigid temperatures.

Adhering to the following guidance could help avoid a Boil Water Advisory and help preserve water for system storage and fire protection as crews work to repair breaks and leaks. Customers are urged to:

• Use water only as necessary –  i.e., take shorter showers and quickly turn off faucets from running at full force
• Limit flushing toilets 
• Limit using washing machines and dishwashers.

With the extreme cold and possibility of pipes freezing, WSSC Water continues to advise customers to leave a faucet running on a trickle to keep water moving through the pipes. The amount of water flowing will have minimal impact on demand and may help prevent costly repairs caused by frozen or broken pipes. It is also advisable to open cabinet doors to expose pipes to the home's warmth.

Customers are encouraged to immediately report any water surfacing or flowing down streets, sidewalks or rights of way. Identifying and repairing hidden breaks as quickly as possible is critical to maintaining reliable water service to customers.

For more questions, contact WSSC Water by calling 301-206-4002 or emailing This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Learn more about the essential-water-use-only-request from WSSC Water: https://www.wsscwater.com/news/2026/january/update-1010-am-wednesday-january-28-2026-essential-water-use-only-request