A power outage at WSSC Water's Potomac Water Filtration Plant resulted in nearly 2 million customers across Montgomery and Prince George's counties being asked to protect the water system by using less water at home.
Until power was restored on the evening of September 29, WSSC Water was telling customers in these counties to limit their water use to essentials while Pepco worked to restore service.
Here's what to know
The system was producing far less water than customers normally use. With the Potomac plant disrupted, another plant, the Patuxent Water Filtration Plant, was still operating at about 90 million to 95 million gallons a day, according to The Baltimore Banner.
Meanwhile, the Potomac plant usually produces 100 million to 120 million gallons of drinking water a day. Because its customers typically use about 170 million gallons a day, that current output is not enough to cover demand. WSSC therefore issued the "essential water use only" request, per the Banner.
No boiling is required for this essential use, WSSC said, because the water remains safe to drink.
Still, the utility wanted residents to cut back on the easiest nonessential uses, like lawn watering and other outdoor uses, and to keep showers brief, shut off faucets promptly, limit toilet flushes, and postpone laundry, dishwashing, and similar appliance use when possible.
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More background
As The Banner reported, WSSC said conservation is needed to protect water storage and preserve supplies for firefighting while Pepco works on the plant. The request is also meant to reduce the risk of a broader disruption.
WSSC said, per the Banner, conserving water could "help prevent the need for a boil-water advisory," giving households a clear reason to put off nonessential use until the request is lifted.
This is not the first time WSSC has asked customers to scale back. Its most recent essential-water-use request came in January.
Where can I learn more?
Water problems can take many forms, from emergency conservation requests like this one to contamination and longer-term supply fights.
• In Texas, residents challenged a $4,500 meter demand tied to threats of losing water service.
• Cities facing shortages are turning to 'extreme' water recycling to stretch limited supplies.
• In California, two decisions could shape water supply investment for millions facing drought risk.
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