The World Health Organization has classified the novel coronavirus, which causes the COVID-19 disease, as a global pandemic. The safety of the public, and the safety of our employees, is our top priority.
Considering this ongoing and escalating public health situation, WSSC Water is taking the following steps:
Suspending all water service shutoffs
Waiving late fees and working one-on-one with customers to customize payment plans
All WSSC Water scheduled public meetings have been postponed for the next 30 days (April 12).
This includes the WSSC Water Commission Meeting on Wednesday, March 18. All future in-person, public Commission meetings are postponed indefinitely until further notice.
The One-Stop-Shop and WSSC Water cashier, both located at WSSC Water’s building at 14501 Sweitzer Lane in Laurel, will be closed for the next 30 days (April 12).
WSSC Water’s Satellite Offices in both Montgomery and Prince George’s Counties are closed for the next 30 days (April 12).
The Visitor’s Center at Brighton Dam will be closed for the next 30 days (April 12).
All in-home, non-emergency work, including meter reading, in-home water sampling and plumbing/gas inspections, will be suspended for one week and reassessed on a weekly basis.
If you need a professional help for your plumbing needs, Sarkinen Plumbing is a plumbing contractor to opt your concerns.
All non-essential WSSC Water employees that can work from home are encouraged to telework for the foreseeable future.
For employees that cannot do productive work from home, supervisors will implement social distancing measures.
WSSC Water is actively monitoring the emerging health threat and working closely with our state and local health partners to exchange information and coordinate responses. We have an emergency plan in place to ensure continuity of operations and meet our clean-water needs.
Coronavirus Is Not Transmitted via Water/Sewage
Virus transmission is not a risk in drinking water or sewage.
Water utilities are working to ensure continuity of operations and encourage our region to continue preventive measures such as hand washing.
Water workers are protected by standard safety practices and personal protective equipment.
Additional Water-Related Points
Coronavirus has not been detected in drinking water.
Disinfectants, like chlorine, used to produce drinking water and treat sewage are effective to kill viruses.
Enveloped viruses, like the coronavirus, are more susceptible to disinfection and less stable in the environment.
General Coronavirus Prevention Tips
Health officials for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) encourage the following everyday actions to help prevent the spread of respiratory viruses, including:
Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60 percent alcohol.
Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
Stay home when you are sick.
Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.
To learn more about coronavirus and ways you can help prevent the spread of this disease, visit: CDC and the Maryland Department of Health