Boil Water Advisory PG County Issued After Major Water Main Break

0
6
Boil Water Advisory PG County
Boil Water Advisory PG County

Residents in Prince George’s County are under a boil water advisory PG County following a significant water main break that disrupted service across several towns on Friday, July 19. The Washington Suburban Sanitary Commission (WSSC Water) issued the advisory around noon, urging residents in affected areas to boil tap water before using it for drinking, cooking, brushing teeth, or washing fruits and vegetables.


Boil Advisory Impact: Towns, Residents, and Emergency Actions

WSSC officials confirmed the break occurred near the 6400 block of Chillum Place in Hyattsville early Friday morning. The rupture caused a major drop in water pressure, prompting public health concerns. According to officials, the advisory affects the following areas:

  • Hyattsville
  • Mount Rainier
  • Brentwood
  • Cottage City
  • North Brentwood

In total, nearly 33,000 customers have been impacted. WSSC says crews have isolated the damaged pipe and are working urgently to restore full pressure and service.


Key Points Summary 🧊

📌 Boil water advisory PG County declared on July 19 due to Chillum Place water main break
📌 Affects 5 towns, 33,000+ residents advised to boil water
📌 WSSC crews actively working; advisory to stay until testing confirms water safety
📌 Schools, businesses, and hospitals taking emergency precautions
📌 Bottled water distribution underway at designated locations


WSSC Provides Guidance and Timeline

WSSC Water stated that all water used for consumption should be brought to a rolling boil for at least one minute. The advisory does not apply to water used for bathing or washing clothes, but caution is urged.

Officials emphasized that water testing is a mandatory step before lifting the advisory. According to the utility, it may take 24–48 hours before test results confirm whether the water is safe to use.

“This is a precautionary measure,” said Luis Maya, WSSC’s public information officer. “There’s no evidence of contamination yet, but we are not taking any chances with public safety.”

Free bottled water is being made available at these locations from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.:

LocationAddress
Mount Rainier City Hall1 Municipal Place, Mount Rainier
Brentwood Town Office4300 39th Place, Brentwood
Hyattsville Middle School6001 42nd Ave, Hyattsville

Boil Water Advisory PG County: How Schools and Businesses Are Coping

With the school year fast approaching and summer camps in session, many institutions scrambled to adapt. Hyattsville Elementary School canceled in-person activities Friday afternoon, while local eateries turned to bottled and filtered water to continue service safely.

Hospitals and senior care centers in the zone activated emergency water supply protocols. Some outpatient clinics postponed non-urgent appointments to minimize risk.

Local businesses like coffee shops and restaurants posted boil advisory notices and adjusted menu offerings. “We’ve stopped serving fountain drinks and are only using bottled water for all food prep,” said Tom Reyes, manager at a popular café in Mount Rainier.


What to Do During the Advisory

WSSC urges residents to follow these precautions:

  • Boil tap water for one full minute before drinking or cooking
  • Use bottled water when boiling is not possible
  • Discard ice made after the break occurred
  • Do not use tap water for brushing teeth

Additionally, WSSC advises installing faucet filters only if certified to remove bacteria, which many are not.


Expected Duration and Updates

As of now, the advisory remains in effect with no exact timeline for removal. WSSC says updates will be provided via their social media channels and official website. Residents can also sign up for WSSC alerts by texting “WSSCWater” to 888777.

More field tests are underway, and crews are expected to complete repairs by late Friday evening. Once testing results are confirmed as safe, the advisory will be lifted—but not before that.


Final Thoughts

The boil water advisory in PG County is a critical reminder of how infrastructure failures can ripple through daily life. WSSC and local officials are moving quickly, but residents are urged to remain cautious and stay informed. For the latest updates, follow local emergency alerts and your town’s public safety channels.

Have you been affected by the advisory? Share your experience or any helpful tips for others in the comments section below.