Overview
- WSSC Water told roughly 1.9 million customers in Montgomery and Prince George’s counties to use water only for essential needs after the Potomac Water Filtration Plant experienced an operational failure that disrupted production.
- The initial advisory was issued Tuesday morning and officials reported progress overnight but said the conservation request remains in effect Wednesday while crews work to return the plant to normal operation.
- WSSC says water is currently available and safe for normal use but warns that a boil‑water order could be required if full treatment and system pressure are not restored.
- Pepco told one outlet that electrical service to the plant is available and that early findings point to equipment issues at WSSC, while WSSC has said it is coordinating with Pepco as the cause is investigated.
- The Potomac plant supplies about 70–75% of WSSC customers, so the outage highlights how a single, power‑intensive treatment facility can strain system storage and fire protection and force widespread conservation measures.