WSSC asks Maryland customers to limit water use due to power outage at filtration plant

Water utility WSSC has issued an Essential Water Use Only request to its customers in Montgomery County and Prince George's County, Maryland. A power outage at the utility's Potomac filtration plant has led to concerns that the supply of processed water could run out before Pepco can restore power. However, WSSC says water is currently safe to use and drink at this time, and that no Boil Water Advisory has been issued yet. Customers are asked to limit shower time and toilet flushes, and to postpone outdoor uses and running of clothes washers and dishwashers until the emergency is over.

WSSC seeks public comment on proposed new Damascus Town Center Wastewater Pumping Station

The Washington Suburban Sanitary Commission is moving forward with a plan to replace the Damascus Town Center Wastewater Pumping Station, and is receiving public comment on the proposal between now and May 4, 2024. As planned, the existing pumping station would be demolished, and a new one would be constructed about 1500 linear feet north of that location at 26701 Woodfield Road. The existing pumping station - which was privately built and later taken over by the WSSC - is now outmoded, the utility has previously said.

The replacement facility would be a wet well and valve vault-style pumping station. It would include an electrical and control building, paving and fencing with an access gate, landscaping, a gravity sewer, a low-pressure sewer force main, a water main, and associated infrastructure to "pump sewage out of the proposed pump station and into the collection system.

Alas, the project plans are not provided online for the public. Instead, they are available for public review in-person at the WSSC at 14501 Sweitzer Lane, Laurel, Maryland 20707 from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM, Monday through Friday. Public comment is only accepted in written form, and can be mailed to Tanweer Baig, 14501 Sweitzer Lane, Laurel, Maryland 20707, or emailed to Tanweer.Baig@wsscwater.com.

WSSC to replace water main under Montgomery Village Avenue

A major water main replacement project in Montgomery Village will take the WSSC utility about two years to complete. WSSC will replace the 1960s 24" water main that runs under Montgomery Village Avenue between Midcounty Highway and Centerway Road. Work will begin in January 2022.

Customers may experience service interruptions of up to 8 hours each over the two year period, with at least 48 hours' advance notice. Work will be performed between 8:00 AM and 4:00 PM. Expect lane closures and parking restrictions.