Update 17: From the County’s website. See also the full health order.

For Immediate Release: 6/18/2008

WSSC Water in Areas Affected by Main Break Safe to Drink According to Latest WSSC Tests
“Boil Water” Advisory Cancelled for Residents and Restaurants

A second negative Washington Suburban Sanitary Commission (WSSC) test has concluded for water samples taken throughout areas of Montgomery County affected by the water main break earlier this week. According to the WSSC, the test results confirm that the water is safe to drink, and the “boil water” advisory for restaurants and homeowners is now cancelled.

“This has been a very difficult week for those residents and businesses affected by the water main break, as well as for the WSSC and County employees who have worked around the clock to make sure that our residents remained safe throughout this ordeal,” said County Executive Isiah Leggett. “This incident has reinforced the County’s strong position for added resources and more focus on addressing the backlog of WSSC maintenance.”

The area affected by the water main break included communities north of the Beltway, with the exception of Rockville City and the Town of Poolesville, which maintain their own water supply systems. County health officials estimated that approximately 1,200 food service facilities were closed initially due the lack of a safe water supply, and then allowed to reopen if they complied with strict public health precautions.

Now that the WSSC has lifted its “boil water” advisory to residents and food service facilities, the following steps are advised to ensure that no health threats remain. Residential water customers should:

  • Flush household pipes/faucets– run all cold water faucets for 5 minutes each.

Boil Water Over

  • Flush home automatic icemakers and make three batches of ice cubes, discarding all three batches before using. Before using, wipe out icemakers with a solution of two tablespoons of household bleach to one gallon of water.
  • Food service facilities should allow water to run for five minutes at each tap to flush the lines with safe water. Misters and drinking fountains should also be flushed, as well as soda machines. Icemakers should also be flushed and cleaned and the first three batches of ice should be discarded.

Questions should go to the County’s Division of Licensure and Regulatory Services at 240-777-3986.

Update 16: From the County’s website:

County Announces Plan to Reopen Restaurants Under Strict Public Health Precautions While “Boiled Water” Advisory Remains in Effect
Following an initial favorable water sample test result from the Washington Suburban Sanitary Commission (WSSC) released after midnight, County Executive Isiah Leggett early this morning announced a plan to allow County food service establishments to reopen if they comply with strict public health precautions.
“In announcing the need for food service facilities to close Monday night in order to protect the public health, I pledged that we would work tirelessly to exhaust all remedies to find an acceptable way to reopen these businesses as soon as possible, said County Executive Isiah Leggett. “We have done just that.”
Dr. Ulder J. Tillman, County Health Officer, with the concurrence of the Maryland Department of Health and Mental Hygiene late Tuesday, approved a plan that will allow food service establishments to reopen if they comply with a set of strict public health precautions applicable during this water crisis. The requirements will apply to food service facilities in areas affected by Sunday night’s massive WSSC water main break. It is imperative that licensed food service facilities comply with the requirements or remain closed. The County will be conducting random spot checks.
Restaurant Safety Requirements   
“Consistent with the requirements, impacted County restaurants and other facilities may resume food operations while we await the final word on the remainder of WSSC’s water tests and the lifting of the ‘boiled water’ advisory,” Leggett said.
The directive, issued by County Health Officer Dr. Ulder J. Tillman, is posted on the County website at www.montgomerycountymd.gov. The County’s Division of Licensure and Regulatory Services will be following up with affected businesses today phone and/or in person.
Questions about the requirements should go to the County’s Public Health Hotline at 240-777-4200 or the Division of Licensure and Regulatory Services at 240-777-3986.
Staff will be available at the Public Health Hotline after 5 a.m. The Division of Licensure and Regulatory Services is open for business at 8 a.m.
 
 

Update 15: From WSSC’s website:

***update 1:30 A.M.***
RESULTS FOR FIRST ROUND OF WATER TESTING IN AREA AFFECTED BY BOIL WATER ADVISORY IN MONTGOMERY COUNTY
BOIL WATER ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT

Contact: WSSC Communications 301.206.8100

(Laurel, MD June 18, 2008): The Washington Suburban Sanitary Commission (WSSC) has completed the first tests of water samples taken following the Boil Water Advisory that was issued Monday morning.

The results show that all 18 samples taken were negative, meaning they showed no signs of harmful bacteria.

The Maryland Department of the Environment (MDE) requires WSSC to conduct the tests before they will recommend lifting the Boiled Water Advisory. MDE requires two consecutive sets of all-negative results. The test results of the second set of samples will be available this evening . It takes 24 hours to determine the results of the water sample tests. The water samples are collected from a variety of locations within the area affected by the Boil Water Advisory.

The boil water advisory was issued as a precaution following last Sunday’s break of a 48-inch water main near Muncaster Mill Road and Meadowside Lane.

The boil water advisory affects WSSC customers who live outside the beltway in Montgomery County. Under the advisory, customers are urged to use bottled water or to bring water to a rolling boil for one minute and cool before drinking, making ice, brushing teeth and preparing food. Customers who are unsure if they reside in the boil water area, should go to the WSSC website, www.wsscwater.com to view the new interactive Google Map and to get more information see “Boil Water Advisory Information.”

WSSC urges the public to share this information with all the other people who drink this water, especially those who may not have received this notice directly (for example, people in apartments, nursing homes, schools, and businesses). You can do this by posting this notice in a public place or distributing copies by hand or mail.

Update 14: WSSC’s 5:00 PM Update:

***update 5:00 P.M.***
SECOND ROUND OF WATER TESTING ORDERED FOR MONTGOMERY COUNTY
BOIL WATER ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT

Contact: WSSC Communications 301.206.8100

(Laurel, MD June 17, 2008): The Maryland Department of the Environment (MDE) has requested the Washington Suburban Sanitary Commission (WSSC) to conduct a second round of tests of the public water system in Montgomery County. MDE is requiring results from two consecutive rounds of tests before lifting the boil water advisory.

The boil water advisory was issued as a precaution following last Sunday’s break of a 48-inch water main near Muncaster Mill Road and Meadowside Lane. The first round of tests results are not expected until after midnight. The second round of tests is being conducted today. It takes 24 hours to determine the results of the water sample tests. The water samples are collected from a variety of locations around the county and analyzed for coliform and appropriate levels of chlorine.

The boil water advisory affects WSSC customers who live outside the beltway in Montgomery County. Under the advisory, customers are urged to use bottled water or to bring water to a rolling boil for one minute and cool before drinking, making ice, brushing teeth and preparing food. Customers who are unsure if they reside in the boil water area, should go to the WSSC website, www.wsscwater.com to view the new interactive Google Map and to get more information see “Boil Water Advisory Information.”

WSSC urges the public to share this information with all the other people who drink this water, especially those who may not have received this notice directly (for example, people in apartments, nursing homes, schools, and businesses). You can do this by posting this notice in a public place or distributing copies by hand or mail.

Update 13: WSSC added a new request at mid-day:

***update 12:30 P.M.***
MONTGOMERY COUNTY RESIDENTS URGED TO FLUSH WATER SYSTEM
BOIL WATER ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT

Contact: WSSC Communications 301.206.8100

(Laurel, MD June 17, 2008): The Washington Suburban Sanitary Commission (WSSC) is asking Montgomery County residents who have discolored water to run their faucets until the water runs clear. Customers are asked to flush the pipes while testing of water samples is being done.

The first water samples were taken for testing early this morning. It normally takes 24 hours for the test results to be confirmed. The tests will determine if there are any harmful organisms in the water. Other tests have already determined the water contains appropriate levels of chlorine.

Following Sunday’s break of a 48-inch water main, thousands of Montgomery County residents who live outside of the beltway were advised by the WSSC and the Maryland Department of the Environment to boil water before consuming it or using it in the preparation of food. Although there was no evidence of contamination of the water, the boil water advisory was issued as a precaution.

The Washington Suburban Sanitary Commission (WSSC) has posted on its web site a map showing areas of Montgomery County where residents should continue boiling their water before consuming it. To view the map and to get more information, go to the WSSC website, www.wsscwater.com and click on “Areas Affected by Boil Water Order.” The areas where the boil water advisory is still in effect have been reduced because we were able to better define areas impacted by the break.

Residents of the City of Rockville are not affected by the boil water advisory because they have a separate water supply.

Also, WSSC has published a new Google Map version of their Boil Water Advisory:

***update 2:00P.M.***
BOIL WATER ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT
Interactive Google Map Feature Added to Website for Customers

Contact: WSSC Communications 301.206.8100

(Laurel, MD June 17, 2008): The Washington Suburban Sanitary Commission (WSSC) has just added an interactive Google Map feature to their website to aid Montgomery County residents in determining whether they reside in the boil water advisory area. At this time, the advisory remains in effect in some areas of the county.

To view the new interactive Google Map or area images, and to get more information, go to the WSSC website, www.wsscwater.com and see “Boil Water Advisory Information.” The areas where the boil water advisory is still in effect have been reduced because we were able to better define areas affected by the break.

Residents of the City of Rockville are not affected by the boil water advisory because they have a separate water supply.

When water systems lose pressure there is an increased risk of contamination. Only boiled or bottled water should be used for drinking, making ice, washing dishes, brushing teeth and preparing food.

For more information, please contact WSSC Communications at 301.206.8100.

Update 12: The County published the text of their close-restaurants order:

For Immediate Release: 6/16/2008

County Officials Order Food Service Facilities In Affected Areas To Remain Closed in Wake of WSSC Water Main Break. Residents Advised to Continue Boiling Water

Montgomery County Executive Isiah Leggett, joined by County Health Officer Dr. Ulder J. Tillman, today ordered food service facilities, including restaurants, fast food outlets, food markets and mobile food trucks, to remain closed until further advised. Based on recommendations from the Maryland Secretary of Health and Mental Hygiene, John Colmers, the closure was ordered because of overriding health concerns in the wake of a Washington Suburban Sanitary Commission (WSSC) water main break late Sunday night.

Maryland law, HEALTH-GENERAL Code Ann. 21-324 (2008) requires that food service facilities close if the “food establishment lacks an adequate supply of potable water.”

“Nothing is more important than protecting the health of our families,” said Leggett. “Until WSSC can assure us that restaurants have an adequate supply of potable water to perform all of their food preparation and serving activities, we must issue this directive. I hope this will only be necessary for a very few days. We are working closely with WSSC in order to minimize the impact of this directive.”

“Maintaining the safety of the food service process in our restaurants and other food service facilities is our highest priority,” said Dr. Tillman. “Food preparation in these facilities is a complex process requiring multiple steps. That makes it much more challenging than a home kitchen. We have to be safe so that we won’t be sorry.”

The area affected by the water main break only includes communities north of the Beltway. Health officials estimate approximately 1,200 facilities are affected by the order. The only exception to the order involves food sold in its original, sealed packages and fresh fruits and vegetables not washed or misted at the food service facilities.

Health inspectors notified restaurants and other facilities earlier today about the restrictions and will be calling those affected businesses throughout the evening to advise them of the continuation of the order.

Residents in the affected area have been advised to continue boiling water for drinking and other internal consumption until further notice. WSSC will test water samples over the next 30 hours to assure compliance with Maryland Department of the Environment (MDE) water system standards. Periodic updates will be provided. The food service facility closure will be in effect until WSSC issues public notice that the “boil water advisory” is cancelled.

Residents can find more detailed information on the affected areas by going to http://www.wsscwater.com/OutageFolder/C3.jpg. Public health officials opened a hotline for residents to call with health related questions. The number is 240-777-4200. For information about the water main break and repair updates, call WSSC at 301-206-8000.

Officials also announced that all County facilities will be open tomorrow but advised residents attending classes and camps and using buildings in the affected areas to bring their own water.

Update 11: WSSC has published an update:

***update 9:00 P.M.***
WATER RESTORED TO MONTGOMERY COUNTY
MANDATORY WATER RESTRICTION IS LIFTED
BOIL WATER ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT

Contact: WSSC Communications 301.206.8100

(Laurel, MD June 16, 2008): The Washington Suburban Sanitary Commission (WSSC) announced tonight that water service has been restored to all of Montgomery County and a mandatory water restriction has been lifted. The precautionary boil water advisory remains in effect for three days in some areas of the county.

The Washington Suburban Sanitary Commission (WSSC) has posted on its web site a map showing areas of Montgomery County where residents should continue boiling their water before consuming it. To view the map and to get more information, go to the WSSC website, www.wsscwater.com and click on “areas affected by boil water order.” The areas where the boil water advisory is still in effect have been reduced because we were able to better define areas impacted by the break.

Although there was no evidence of contamination of the water, WSSC and Maryland Department of the Environment recommended that residents who live in some parts of Montgomery County outside of the beltway boil their water as a precaution.

WSSC has hired private contractors to repair the broken 48” pre cast concrete cylinder that broke Sunday night, causing water shortages and low water pressure in communities outside of the beltway. The water main was constructed in 1970.

Residents of the City of Rockville are not affected by the boil water advisory because they have a separate water supply.

When water systems lose pressure there is an increased risk of contamination. Only boiled or bottled water should be used for drinking, making ice, washing dishes, brushing teeth and preparing food.

The mandatory water restriction was imposed in an effort to maintain water pressure for fire protection.

The water main break was discovered at 9:15 p.m. on Sunday evening in an area of the Rock Creek Regional Park near Muncaster Mill Road and Meadowside Lane. This resulted in the loss of water pressure or water service for tens of thousands of Montgomery County residents who live outside the beltway.

For more information, please contact WSSC Communications at 301.206.8100.

Also, NBC4 is reporting that the County has shut down 1200 resturants:

The affected area is northern Montgomery County outside of the Beltway with the exception of Poolesville and Rockville. About 1,200 food service facilities, including fast-food restaurants, are being closed.

Water service has been restored and mandatory water restrictions are lifted in Montgomery County, but a boil advisory is still in place. The WSSC reported that service was back to normal throughout the county about 9 p.m. Monday.

Update 10: Update from Alert Gaithersburg; this is the first I’ve seen any suggestion that the boil-water advisory might last less than three days:

The WSSC water main break that occurred earlier today in the Muncaster Mill area was found to involve a 48″ pre-cast concrete pipe that was completely destroyed. WSSC has restored water pressure to most of the County, including Gaithersburg City, by re-routing the water flow.

The tap water is still not deemed safe to drink and the “Boil water Order” remains in effect until otherwise directed, at least 9:00pm tomorrow night. Only boiled or bottled water should be used for drinking, making ice, washing dishes, brushing teeth or preparing food. The mandatory water restriction also remain in effect, until otherwise directed.

Additional info is available on the City and WSSC websites.

Update 9: WSSC finally fixed their boil-water map so that it loads correctly. Click on the image below to open WSSC’s advisory page:

Update 8: WSSC released the following information at 4:00 pm:

***update 4:00 P.M.***
Update: Water Being Restored to Some Customers
MANDATORY WATER RESTRICTIONS AND BOIL WATER ADVISORY REMAIN IN EFFECT

Contact: WSSC Communications 301.206.8100

(Laurel, MD June 16, 2008): As of 4:00 p.m. today, water is being restored to large areas of Montgomery County. However, the boil water advisory and mandatory water restrictions remain in effect.

WSSC discovered Monday afternoon that the broken water main in Montgomery County is a 48” pre cast concrete cylinder that was constructed in 1970. Before the water receded earlier today, it was believed that a 36” water main that runs parallel to the broken pipe was defective.

Residents who receive their water from the City of Rockville are not affected by the boil water advisory. Although there was no evidence of contamination in the water, WSSC and Maryland Department of the Environment recommended that residents who live in Montgomery County outside of the Beltway boil their water as a precaution. The boil water advisory is in effect for three days.

Meanwhile, water service continues to be restored in some areas of the county as pressure builds back up in the water system. Full restoration of service may take several more hours. The water main break was discovered at 9:15 p.m. on Sunday evening in an area of the Rock Creek Regional Park near Muncaster Mill Road and Meadowside Lane. This resulted in the loss of water pressure or water service for large areas of Montgomery County outside the Beltway.

When water systems lose pressure there is an increased risk of contamination. Although there is no indication that the water system has been contaminated, only boiled or bottled water should be used for drinking, making ice, washing dishes, brushing teeth and preparing food.

The mandatory water restrictions are part of an effort to maintain water pressure for fire protection. These restrictions include:

  • No outside watering
  • No filling swimming pools
  • No laundry
  • No dishwashing
  • Limit toilet flushing

The mandatory water use restriction will remain in effect until some time later today, but the boil water advisory will continue for three days.

We regret the inconvenience that this may cause.

Please share this information with all the other people who drink this water, especially those who may not have received this notice directly (for example, people in apartments, nursing homes, schools, and businesses). You can do this by posting this notice in a public place or distributing copies by hand or mail

For more information, please contact WSSC Communications at 301.206.8100.

Update 7: WSSC has posted a PDF FAQ about the outage, although I’m having trouble loading their page at the moment to see the overview map; the link in the FAQ doesn’t seem to work and doesn’t match the one on their homepage, which is at the moment taking forever to load. I’ve edited the FAQ to use the link from the homepage in the transcription below. Alas, as of this writing the page linked from their homepage is taking forever to load as well.

Frequently Asked Questions
Water Main Break June 16, 2008

Q. What is the boil water advisory?
A. As a precaution the WSSC and the Maryland Department of the Environment recommend boiling water that is used for drinking, cooking, brushing teeth, making ice or washing dishes.
Q. Should the water be boiled if a water filter is used?
A. Yes.
Q. What areas are affected?
A. Much of Montgomery County outside the beltway. Click here to see a map [http://www.wssc.dst.md.us/OutageFolder/Overview.html]
Q. Is it safe to use dishes that have been cleaned with a dish washer?
A. To be safe, only boiled water should be used to clean dishes.
Q. Does using the dish washer violate the water restrictions?
A. Yes. The use of dish washers is restricted until the mandatory water restriction is lifted.
Q. Why do I have low water pressure or no water?
A. There was a major water main break at 9:15 p.m. Sunday evening. The break was in a wooded area and difficult to locate. That allowed the system to drain and lose pressure.
Q. When do you expect the return of water service?
A. Water service is already being restored to some areas. We are hopeful water will be restored some time Monday evening. Private contractors have been hired to help make the repairs.
Q. Are Montgomery County government offices closed as a result of the water main break?
A. Montgomery County government facilities within the Wheaton, Glenmont, Olney, Burtonsville, Gaithersburg and Germantown areas will be closed today (Monday) due to a lack of water.
Q. Should I boil water for my pet?
A. To be on the safe side, also boil and then cool water for pets.
Q. What about the ice in my freezer that gets made automatically, should I throw this out?
A. Use only ice that was made from boiled water.
Q. I live in Rockville, how do I know if my water comes from the City of Rockville or WSSC?
A. If you receive a water bill from WSSC, then you are affected by the mandatory restrictions and boil water advisory. In addition, Rockville residents can also determine who their service provider is by looking at the fire hydrant that services their home. Red hydrants receive Rockville water service. Green and silver hydrants receive WSSC service.

Update 6: Howard Schneider and Debbi Wilgoren write in the Washington Post:

Riggins said it was still not known what caused the break, which tore through about 10 feet of water line and created, in effect, a new tributary to Rock Creek as gushing water coursed 100 feet or so down into a stream valley. Workers on the scene said they were surprised at the rupture because the pipe was made of what is considered a particularly strong composite: prestressed concrete wrapped in steel and steel wire, and surrounded with an outer layer of concrete.

Grocery store chains reported a run on bottled water, and were ordering extra shipments from local warehouses. Icemakers and vegetable misters were shut down because of the advisory to not use water unless it was boiled, while some stores closed altogether.

Giant Food spokesman Jamie Miller said 25 of the 31 Giant supermarkets in the county were impacted by the water main break. Stores in Leisure World and at Olney Village shopping center had no water at all and had closed their food service departments, he said. Water tanker trucks were sent to Safeway stores in Olney, Wheaton and Cloverly, and hooked up to the stores’ water systems, circumventing the potentially tainted county water supply. Safeway spokesman Greg ten Eyck said other affected stores were boiling tap water or using bottled water in food preparation, and all stores were receiving truckloads of extra bottled water for residents to purchase.

Update 5: From WSSC:

***update 10:15***

BOIL WATER ADVISORY FOR CUSTOMERS IN MONTGOMERY COUNTY

MANDATORY WATER RESTRICTIONS ALSO IN EFFECT

WATER HAS BEEN RESTORED TO SOME CUSTOMERS.

EMERGENCY CONTRACTORS ARE BEING HIRED MAKE TO REPAIRS.

Contact: WSSC Communications 301.206.8100

(Laurel, MD June 16, 2008): The Washington Suburban Sanitary Commission (WSSC) has issued a precautionary boil water advisory for Montgomery County outside the beltway, with the exception of residents who receive their water from the City of Rockville. In addition, there are mandatory water restrictions in these areas. The water restrictions may be lifted later this evening once water is restored. The boil water advisory is in effect for three days.

Water is being restored in some areas of the county, and pressure is building back up in the water system. However, it may be several more hours before there is full restoration of service. WSSC is hiring emergency contractors to repair the broken water man.

The Washington Suburban Sanitary Commission experienced a major water main break at 9:15 p.m. on Sunday evening. This resulted in the loss of water pressure or water service for large areas of Montgomery County outside the Beltway.

When water systems lose pressure there is an increased risk of contamination. Although we do not have an indication that the water system has been contaminated, as a precaution, the WSSC and the Maryland Department of the Environment recommend if you live in Montgomery County you should bring water to a rolling boil for one minute and cool before using. Only boiled or bottled water should be used for drinking, making ice, washing dishes, brushing teeth and food preparation.

The boil water advisory will continue until further notice or acceptable water quality is confirmed by water testing. We expect this process to take at least three days.

The mandatory water restrictions are part of an effort to maintain water pressure for fire protection. These restrictions include;

  • No outside watering
  • No filling swimming pools
  • No laundry
  • No dishwashing
  • Limit toilet flushing

These restrictions will remain in effect until some time later today.

We regret the inconvenience that this may cause.

Please share this information with all the other people who drink this water, especially those who may not have received this notice directly (for example, people in apartments, nursing homes, schools, and businesses). You can do this by posting this notice in a public place or distributing copies by hand or mail

Update 4: Howard Schneider writes in the Washington Post:

The advisory to boil water will remain in effect for at least three days, the agency said, as it repairs the broken water main, re-pressurizes the system, and tests water quality. Though there is no evidence of contamination, WSSC said that the risk rises when the system loses pressure, and that water should be boiled “as a precaution,” said agency spokesperson Lyn Riggins.

The break in a 36-inch main near Lake Bernard south of Muncaster Mill Road, occurred Sunday night around 9 p.m. But crews did not locate the problem until near dawn on Monday because the pipe is in an isolated, forested section of the Meadowside Nature Center.

WTOP reports:

The Washington Suburban Sanitary Commission ordered the advisory early Monday for homes and businesses north of the Capital Beltway after a 36-inch water main burst Sunday night. The water main break left customers with very low water pressure or no water. The lower pressure increases the risk of contamination, which is why WSSC ordered the advisory. The advisory does not affect areas that receive water from Rockville.

“As soon as they get all the valves shut down, they will be able to get a better idea of what this main looks like and what type of work we need to do. When those valves are all shut down, people will start seeing their water pressure restored and water service restored,” Riggins tells WTOP.

At 9:30 a.m., she estimated the water would be restored in eight to 10 hours.

Additional reporting in the Gazette.

Update 3: Channel 4 has a video report online, and Channel 9 has some pretty good footage of what they’re dealing with at the location of the break.

The City has stated that City offices are open except for the Water Park:

WSSC Water Main Break.
Residents advised to boil water until further notification. Mandatory water restrictions in effect. Water Park is closed while water restrictions are in effect. City of Gaithersburg offices are open and City of Gaithersburg Summer Camps will be held as scheduled.
More information 

The County has announced additional restrictions:

Montgomery County Facilities Affected by WSSC Water Main Break to be Closed Today

Montgomery County government facilities within the Wheaton, Glenmont, Olney, Burtonsville, Gaithersburg and Germantown areas will be closed today due to a lack of water. A water main break at Muncaster Mill Rd. and Meadowside Lane is affecting water pressure, and repairs are expected to take 8-10 hours.

Businesses and facilities that have sprinkler systems and choose to remain open today must post a “fire watch” until water pressure returns to normal.

All Montgomery County Department of Recreation summer camps are closed today, June 16, due to a Washington Suburban Sanitary Commission (WSSC) water main break that is affecting a number of areas in the County. Department of Recreation summer camps are expected to resume on Tuesday, June 17.

The Washington Suburban Sanitary Commission (WSSC) has announced a mandatory water restriction in the affected areas. Furthermore, the WSSC advises that any water consumed in those areas be boiled first. For more information, go to WSSC press release. Check for updates throughout the day.

Update 2: In a story at WTOP, WSSC spokesperson is quoted:

WSSC located the the break overnight over near Lake Bernard in the Rock Creek Park regional area off Muncaster Mill Road, [Jim Neustadt, spokesman for the Washington Suburban Sanitary Commission] says.

“It’s in an area that’s kind of remote. It’s not where anybody would have seen water gushing or seeing water doing anything.”

Customer phone calls about water problems and water pressure changes in WSSC pipes and storage tanks alerted the utility to the problem.

Water users are advised to bring water to a rolling boil for one minute before using. Boiled or bottled water should be used for drinking, making ice, washing dishes, brushing teeth and food preparation.

Restoring water pressure and testing the water quality is expected to take at least three days.

Mandatory water restrictions are also in effect for those customers.

Update: Fox news has a story posted on this, which includes the following statement which does not yet appear to be posted on WSSC’s website:

Boil Water Advisory For Customers In Portions Of Montgomery County Mandatory Water Restrictions Also In Effect

(Laurel, MD June 16, 2008) The Washington Suburban Sanitary Commission (WSSC) is issuing a precautionary boil water advisory for the following areas Montgomery County outside the Beltway with the exception of customers getting their water from Rockville The Washington Suburban Sanitary Commission experienced a major water main break occurring at 9:15 p.m. on Sunday evening, resulting in large areas of Montgomery County outside the Beltway to experience very low water pressure or no water.

When water systems lose pressure there is an increased risk of contamination. Although we do not have an indication that the water system has been contaminated, as a precaution, the WSSC and the Maryland Department of the Environment recommend if you live in the above areas, that you boil all water before using. Water should be brought to a rolling boil for one minute and cooled before using. Boiled or bottled water should be used for drinking, making ice, washing dishes, brushing teeth, and food preparation until further notice.

The boil water advisory will continue until further notice and the water pressure is returned and the system is thoroughly flushed and the acceptable water quality is confirmed by water testing. We expect this process to take at least three days.

In addition Mandatory Water Restrictions are now in effect for those customers in this same geographic area. This is an effort to keep up water pressure for fire protection. These restrictions include;

  • No outside watering
  • No filling swimming pools
  • No laundry
  • No dishwashing
  • Limit toilet flushing

These restrictions will remain in effect until some time later Monday.

We regret the inconvenience that this may cause.

Please share this information with all the other people who drink this water, especially those who may not have received this notice directly (for example, people in apartments, nursing homes, schools, and businesses). You can do this by posting this notice in a public place or distributing copies by hand or mail. For more information, please contact WSSC Communications at 301.206.8100.

WSSC is the 8th largest water and wastewater utility in the nation, serving more than 1.8 million residents in Prince George’s and Montgomery counties. We operate and maintain seven water and wastewater plants, 5,500 miles of fresh water pipeline and over 5,300 miles of sewer pipeline. In our 90-year history our drinking water has always met or exceeded federal standards.

As of 6:00 am, WSSC doesn’t yet know why either:

OFFICE OF COMMUNICATIONS & COMMUNITY RELATIONS

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Jim Neustadt
301.906.4276
Lyn Riggins
301.646.3517

WSSC has received numerous phone calls from customers in Montgomery County who are either without water or are experiencing low water pressure. We believe there is a water main break in what we call the “Montgomery High Zone”. We are searching for the location of that break. This is affecting homes primarily north of Randolph road. Some of the communities affected include parts of Germantown, Olney, Hampshire Green, Burtonsville and Gaithersburg.

At this time we have no estimate on how many customers are affected or how long they will be without water.

Also, the following message was posted on an Olney-Brookeville mailing list:

The following message was received from Teresa D. Daniell, Interim General Manager of the WSSC, on Monday, June 16, 2008 12:17 AM.

We’ve not seen or had reported any sightings of water coming out so the crews are having to search using the information on where people are experiencing the low pressure and outages. It makes it more difficult, but the crews will keep searching till they find the cause. The call center has been flooded with calls and that has caused the busy signals (I tried it myself several times) and I know that is frustrating for folks. The call center supervisor brought more people in to take calls. Also, my communications director is posting an alert on the web, but as of a few minutes ago it wasn’t up yet. The control center will call me as soon as they find the problem.